Arms Trafficking Thrives in Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece
When a gun ends up in the hands of a street gang in France or a criminal network in Berlin, few people ask: where did this weapon come from? It’s usually just a footnote in the media or a case number in a police report. But it’s precisely this “where from” that is the focus of a new report published in June 2025 by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC). The study traces the route of firearms through three key countries: Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece. A path that isn’t fiction—but European reality, with consequences that also affect Macedonia.
In Türkiye, the numbers sound absurd, but they’re real. An estimated 36 million firearms are in civilian hands, most of them unregistered. The Turkish arms industry produces massive quantities of gas pistols designed for self-defense or signaling but easily modified into deadly weapons. These pistols are exported legally to Bulgaria, where the story continues.
Bulgaria is not just a transit corridor. It’s a transformer. A country that’s both an EU member and a processing hub where the weapons are given new roles. Some are modified, others repurposed, but most importantly, some vanish from official channels and reappear in the EU’s criminal underworld. Bulgaria also has its own legacy arms industry one of the oldest in the region with experience, factories, and networks. Some of those networks are official. Others are not.
Greece is a different story. It’s a place where weapons don’t just pass through they stay. In Athens and Thessaloniki, police have been battling illegal armed groups, organized crime, and political extremism for years. There, weapons are not “foreign.” They’re familiar. Data shows that over half of the firearms in Greece are unregistered, a sign of how normalized illegal possession has become. But a new trend is emerging: 3D-printed weapons. These don’t cross borders. They arrive via the Internet. And they’re ending up in the hands of young people.
This study clearly shows that arms trafficking between Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Greece is not a set of isolated incidents but a systemic network that threatens Europe’s security architecture. And Macedonia, with its geography and institutional weaknesses, cannot afford to remain a passive observer. “If it doesn’t engage in a coordinated regional response, Macedonia risks becoming the weak link in a transnational chain of instability,” says the author, Aleksandar Srbinovski of GI-TOC.
Comments
7 responses to “The Balkans: Neighboring Conflict”
-
Seems like the Balkans have really outdone themselves this time, transforming into a real-life action movie set—just with less Hollywood glamour and more “who left the door open for the arms dealers?” 🍻
-
Isn’t it just delightful how the Balkans have turned arms trafficking into a regional art form? Who needs a peaceful neighborhood when you can have a revolving door of firearms, eh? 🤷♂️🔫
-
So, arms trafficking in the Balkans has turned into a trendy pastime, eh? Who needs a vacation when you can just pop over to buy a 3D-printed gun online? 😂
-
Oh, just what Europe needs—an arms trafficking tour through the Balkans. Who knew that bullets and politics could be such a charming combination? 😂
-
In a world where you can’t even get a decent cup of coffee without a side of bureaucracy, it seems the Balkans have taken the phrase “keeping it local” to a whole new level—who knew arms trafficking could be such a regional hobby? 😂
-
Oh, splendid! Nothing like a little arms trafficking to spice up the neighborhood. Who needs a peaceful afternoon when you can have a live-action version of “Dodgeball” with firearms? 😂
-
Seems like the Balkans have become the hottest new arms market—who knew that “neighborhood watch” could take on such a literal meaning? 😂 Just what Europe needed: another reason for politicians to mumble about “regional stability” while the rest of us keep dodging the fireworks! 🎆
Last News
MEPs Criticize FIFA’s Infantino for Including Russian Athletes in Youth World Cup
Following Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, FIFA prohibited Russia from participating in all football competitions. However, in 2023, FIFA lifted the ban for youth competitions, though Russian teams have yet to compete in its U-17 World Cups.
Recently, FIFA announced the upcoming U-15 Worl
The Impact of Customer Testimonials on Strengthening Business Reputation
London, July 01, 2026 – Brussels Morning Newspaper — Customer testimonials continue to play a growing role in shaping business reputation as consumers increasingly rely on real customer experiences before making purchasing decisions. Across industries, businesses are investing more effort in collecting authentic reviews and testimonials to strengthen credibility, improve online visibility, and b
Feline Instinct: Can Cats Discern Between Good and Bad People?
The answer lies between biology, psychology, a
Zelenskyy Shortens Irish Visit Amid Intelligence of Major Russian Attack
Zelenskyy was present on the first day of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and during a press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, he informed reporters of his immediate departure from Ireland.
“We know that Putin
Earned Media vs. Paid Advertising: Which Enhances Brand Credibility More?
London, July 01, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — earned media vs paid advertising continues to be a key discussion among marketing professionals as businesses evaluate the most effective ways to build long-term brand credibility. While paid advertising offers immediate visibility and audience targeting, earned media is widely viewed as a stronger indicator of public trust because it is generated th
From Visionary Solutions to Future Logistics: Introducing the 2026 EU Women Innovators
Dr. Katerina Spranger almost lost her sight as a child due to an accident that required emergency surgery.
“I was fortunate,” she said, recalling how precision in surgery saved her sight, while another girl who had the same operation was not as lucky and went blind.
This memory resurfaced when Spranger received the €100,000 top prize at the 2026 EU Prize for Women Innovators, honoring her role
Retailleau, French Presidential Candidate, Claims Election Date Benefits the Left
Retailleau noted the tensions and p
Turkey Affirms US Commitment to NATO Amid Evolving Security Landscape
Sarhan Basem is Eurotoday’s Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful comment
CSG Advances Into the Next Phase of Global Growth: Strengthening
Press ReleaseThis article is based on a press release or official communication from Wire News Service. The European Times republishes it as a public service.
Previously Czech and Slovak, CSG now attracts talent from top defence companies like Rheinmetall, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Kongsberg. Foreign acquisitions, rapid growth, and a stock market listing ha
Why Team Burnham is Already Furious
This marks the first instance of intense frustration during the transition.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy reveal that the funding gap is even larger than initially believed.
Additionally, could a former Conservative mayor be considered for the role of chairing Great Britis
Leave a Reply