Communication: Implementing the European Agenda on Security: EU action plan against illicit trafficking in and use of firearms and explosives

The European Agenda on Security, adopted by the Commission on 28 April 2015, identified the need to strengthen the legal framework on firearms and combat illicit trafficking. It also highlighted the need to restrict access to and the deployment of dangerous substances such as explosives by terrorist networks. Building on the European Agenda on Security, on 8 October 2015 the Council invited Member States, the Commission, Europol and Interpol to strengthen the use of means of fighting trafficking of firearms.

The illicit trafficking of firearms is part of the core business of organised crime groups. Alongside other forms of trafficking, such as drugs, it is a key source of revenue. Firearms leverage other forms of criminality and are used for intimidation, coercion and gang violence.

Beyond organised crime, the heinous terrorist attacks of the past year have shown the imperative to cut off access to firearms and explosives. The attacks in Paris and Copenhagen, as well the attempted attack on a Thalys train, have underlined the fact that terrorist networks are accessing weapons and explosives through organised crime networks and the black market.

In this context, it is crucial that the EU, and especially the Member States, redouble their efforts to tackle the serious threat that the illicit trafficking of firearms and the use of explosives pose to the internal security of the Union.

The Commission adopted on 18 November 2015 a package of legislative measures to strengthen control of firearms in the European Union. The next step must be to improve operational cooperation at EU level among Member States and with third countries.

This Communication sets out specific actions necessary to implement the European Agenda on Security in the area of trafficking of firearms and explosives, also building upon the Operational Action Plan 2016 under the EU Policy Cycle.

Official

EUR-Lex: COM(2015)625: Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA on combating terrorism http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2015:625:FIN

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ESO Records

European Agenda on Security: Commission takes action to combat terrorism and illegal trafficking of firearms and explosives http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-agenda-on-security-commission-takes-action-to-combat-terrorism-and-illegal-trafficking-of-firearms-and-explosives/

European Commission strengthens control of firearms across the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-european-commission-strengthens-control-of-firearms-across-the-eu/

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