Gun ownership laws are strict, and even before the recession that struck the arms industries of eastern European countries after 1991, Hungary produced relatively few weapons. Since Hungary is importing weapons to achieve NATO compatibility, the defence industry has not recovered. Efficient licensing regulations and procedures render Hungary a relatively “responsible” arms exporter, although there have been scandals, such as suspected exports to the former Yugoslavia.

IANSA member Saferworld has collaborated with local think-tanks and the Stability Pact to initiate the Szeged Small Arms Process, a regional round-table discussions in November 2000 and September 2001. This process incorporates Albania, Bosnia Herzogovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia/Montenegro and Slovenia. It seeks to create an integrated small arms action program for the region developing practical measures to combat illicit arms trafficking and regulation of arms transfers.

Organisations

UNDP Hungary (run with the Slovakia office)

Other links

Report on the arms industry (2002) from Saferworld (PDF)
Document on the Szeged Process from Saferworld (PDF)