A report reveals that approximately 620,000 firearms are currently lost or stolen across the EU, with these weapons being used in terrorism, organized crime, and gang violence, leading to the deaths of around 1,300 people annually. In response, the European Commission (EC) has proposed a new directive aimed at harmonizing the legal repercussions associated with firearms usage among member states. Specifically, the directive aims to establish prison sentences ranging from two to eight years for illegal possession, production, or trade of firearms across the EU.

In addition to setting penalties, the directive seeks to enhance operational cooperation between member states, allowing for more coordinated investigations and easier tracking and confiscation of illegally traded weapons. These provisions are designed to give a clearer picture of the scale of illegal arms trafficking within the EU and to identify specific trends, such as the trafficking of demilitarized firearms from conflict zones. Furthermore, the directive requires member state governments to compile and share data on arms trafficking every five years to ensure ongoing assessment and improvement of strategies aimed at countering illegal firearms activities.

This proposal reflects a significant step by the EU to address the public safety issues posed by firearms misuse, as well as to align legal frameworks across diverse jurisdictions, ultimately aiming to reduce firearm-related violence and enhance security throughout the Union.