Brussels has issued formal notice letters to three countries, marking the initial step in the infringement procedure, and they now have two months to address the identified issues. Should the responses be unsatisfactory, the European Commission may escalate the process by issuing a reasoned opinion, as stated in their announcement.
This action pertains to the inadequate implementation of the Firearms Directive 2021/555, which governs the acquisition and possession of firearms, aiming to standardize national laws to enhance security, facilitate legal trade, and streamline procedures for users such as hunters and sport shooters. The directive establishes “high standards of security and protection against criminal acts and the illicit trafficking of firearms,” as highlighted by Brussels.
In relation to Germany, the Commission noted that the country has also failed to properly implement certain aspects of Directive 2019/68 concerning the marking of firearms and Directive 2019/69 regarding alarm and signaling weapons, which only discharge blank or irritant ammunition. The first directive focuses on firearm marking rules to improve traceability and ensure the safe transfer and legal trade of firearms and essential components across nations. The second directive outlines technical specifications for alarm and signaling weapons to prevent their unlawful modification into lethal firearms. (November 21)
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