EU firearms law: VDB seeks clearer limits for new criminal offences
In Brussels, VDB president Michael Blendinger called for a clear distinction between illicit firearms trafficking and minor infringements by licensed owners.
EU · Association position / ongoing debate
VDB president Michael Blendinger has called for clearer boundaries in the proposed EU criminal offences relating to illicit firearms trafficking. The discussions took place around the FACE general assembly on 29 and 30 September. The VDB reported on them on 12 October. Blendinger also attended as president of the European firearms trade association AECAC.
The discussions focused on the evaluation of the Firearms Directive and legislative procedure 2026/0059(COD). Blendinger argued that minor infringements by vetted licence holders should not be equated with serious organised crime. He also advocated clearer rules for authorised transport through transit countries and digital transfer permits.
His counterparts included Member of the European Parliament Lena Düpont and José Romero Morgaz from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.
The proposed directive against illicit firearms trafficking remains in the legislative process. The European Parliament lists its status as “Awaiting committee decision”. The discussions have therefore not created new obligations for firearms owners.
Procedure at the European Parliament: https://oeil.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/en/procedure-file?reference=20260059COD