The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly on 29 November to strengthen the EU Firearms Directive. In a significant step towards harmonising European gun laws, the parliament agreed that all member states must require gun purchasers to hold a license and register all newly purchased weapons.
All countries must create a computerised gun register by 2015. Anybody seeking to purchase a firearm must provide a good reason, and authorities are obliged to determine that the buyer is not a threat either to himself or to public safety.
The amendments to the Directive were drafted by the German MEP Gisela Kallenbach (Green Party), who said the changes were especially relevant following recent school shootings in Europe. The minimum age for gun possession is now 18 across member states.
Replica and air guns which can be converted to fire bullets are included in the law, closing a loophole frequently exploited by criminals. UK MEP Arlene McCarthy (Socialist Group) demonstrated how easily these weapons can be purchased by bringing a 9mm Smith & Wesson copy into parliament.
The revised Directive will come into force in January 2008. Countries will have two years to incorporate it into their national laws.
Background information from the EU Parliament
EU Firearms Directive
Directive sur les Armes à feu de l'UE
Directiva de la UE sobre Armas de Fuego
Rete Italiana per il disarmo (press release from IANSA members in Italy)
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