Reality Check for the Evaluation of the Firearms Directive

On 24-25 June, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) organised a 'Reality check' meeting in Brussels to discuss the implementation of the Firearms Directive, as a key part of the evaluation of the Firearms Directive.

This Reality Check meeting marks the first large-scale, direct dialogue between DG HOME and the private firearms sector. Participants included European associations representing firearms and ammunition manufacturers, firearms traders, sport shooters, hunters, and firearms collectors.

During the meeting, participants discussed various topics of special interest for the private sector, covering manufacturing and commercial trade, rules on cross-border transfers and rules applicable to the legal owners of firearms, such as hunters, sport shooters, and collectors.

Participants highlighted the importance of the Firearms Directive as a fundamental legal tool to harmonise EU rules for internal trade and to facilitate cross-border journeys for legal firearms users. The meeting focused on identifying practical obstacles and good practices related to the implementation of the Directive, while pinpointing opportunities to reduce administrative burdens and simplify current rules, all while maintaining a strict balance with internal security regarding the acquisition, possession, and trade of firearms within the EU.

Technical sessions analysed whether the current provisions of the Firearms Directive remain fit for purpose. Among the topics, the participants highlighted the obstacles identified to the trade and legal use of firearms derived from a more stringent transposition of some provisions of the Directive and the need to digitalise the European Firearms Pass.

The Reality Check is a new consultation tool and its aim is to collect stakeholders' practical experiences on the implementation of EU legislation in their daily activities. The insights gathered during the Reality Check will feed into the evaluation of the Firearms Directive, which the Commission conducts every five years. This exercise will support an evidence-based assessment of the Directive's provisions, focusing specifically on the functioning of the internal market.

The exercise aligns with the European Commission's 2024-2029 priorities on effective implementation and enhanced competitiveness, as set out in President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines and Commissioner Brunner's mission letter.