1. EU-Wide (European Union) Legislation on Firearms

Directive (EU) 2021/555 – Minimum common EU standards

What: This is the main EU act governing acquisition, possession, and cross-border movement of civilian firearms in the EU.• In force since: 26 April 2021; replaces the earlier Directive 91/477/EEC (from 1991) and its later amendments. fdfa.be+1• Applies to: All EU member states — they must implement it into national law. Migration and Home Affairs• Main provisions:

• Sets common minimum standards for firearms licensing, possession, and transfer. Migration and Home Affairs

• Requires categorisation of firearms (Category A, B, C, etc.) with different controls. Wapenwet

• Imposes background checks and medical evaluations for license issuance. Migration and Home Affairs

• Improves traceability, marking and registration to reduce diversion into illegal markets. Migration and Home Affairs

• Regulates online acquisition and includes collectors and deactivated weapons. Migration and Home Affairs• Who the Directive covers:

• Private individuals (hunters, sport shooters, collectors),

• Dealers, brokers and museums, and

• National authorities responsible for licensing and enforcement. Migration and Home Affairs

European Firearms Pass (EFP)

What: A form of licence that allows licensed EU gun owners to travel with firearms between EU states under a common format.• Who: Hunters, competitive shooters, exhibitors already holding a licence issued in their own member state. Wikipedia

EU Firearms Trade Regulation (updated c. 2024)

What: New harmonised rules on import, export, and transit of firearms into/from the EU have been adopted to improve traceability and close loopholes in trafficking. Consilium• Status: Adopted late 2024; member states and EU Parliament must fully implement. Consilium

2. National Firearms Laws in Key European Countries

European countries have their own national laws implementing EU minimum standards (and often stricter controls). Below are summaries for major EU and non-EU jurisdictions:

🇩🇪 Germany

Primary law: German Weapons Act (Waffengesetz, WaffG).• License regime: Strict licensing with may-issue basis; background checks, justification for ownership (e.g., sport shooting, hunting). BMI Bundesministerium• Scope: Covers acquisition, possession, storage of firearms and ammo; self-defence is generally not a sufficient reason for ownership alone. BMI Bundesministerium

🇫🇷 France

Law: National firearms code aligned with EU standards.• Key features: Firearms require licence; categories determine requirement levels; strict storage and safety measures.• Notes: Self-defence permits are very limited; focus remains on hunting and sport shooting.

🇪🇸 Spain

Law: National legislation requiring licence for nearly all firearms and ammunition.• Reason requirement: Self-defence is generally not accepted as sufficient reason for civilian gun licenses — most licences are for sport shooting and hunting. Wikipedia

🇵🇱 Poland

Law: Weapons and Munitions Act (1999).• Regime: Mostly shall-issue for sport, hunting or collection; self-defence permits are more restricted (may-issue). Wikipedia• Process: Health evaluations and justification required; firearms and ammo registration required. Wikipedia

🇸🇪 Sweden

System: Licenses required for all firearms; majority of civilian guns are for hunting or sport. Reuters• Eligibility: Applicants must be ≥18, law-abiding, and provide a valid reason. Reuters• Current developments: The government plans tightened controls on semi-automatics and medical checks after a mass shooting in early 2025. The Guardian

🇫🇮 Finland

Law: Firearms Act (1998, amended); fully compatible with EU requirements.• Features: Registration and licensing required; both hunting and sport shooters commonly licensed. Wikipedia

🇳🇴 Norway (Non-EU)

Law: National system with police issuing licenses on a may-issue basis, but in practice most valid applicants are approved for hunting or sport shooting. Wikipedia

🇱🇹 Lithuania

Law: National firearm law permitting possession on a shall-issue basis after examinations; licences required for self-defence and other purposes. Wikipedia

🇦🇹 Austria

Law: National regime with permit/licence requirements depending on weapon type.• Current legislative movement: Following a shooting in 2025, the government is planning tougher eligibility and data checks. AP News

Who These Laws Apply To

EU Directive

Applies to:• EU member states (must transpose into national law). Migration and Home Affairs• Private persons wanting to own or move firearms, and commercial actors like dealers/brokers. Migration and Home Affairs

National Laws

Apply to: Anyone within that country intending to acquire, possess, store, or transfer a firearm (citizens and, in many cases, foreign residents).• Requirements vary, but typically include age limits, background checks, mental/health evaluations, safety training, and secure storage.

Cross-Border (EFP)

Applies to: Licensed holders who want to travel with firearms to another EU member state — strictly within EU framework. Wikipedia

Summary – Current EU & National Firearms Regulation (Europe)

Level Key Rule Applies To Notes

EU Directive 2021/555 Sets minimum standards. All EU member states & civil ownersIn force since Apr 2021, harmonises basic rules across EU.  Migration and Home Affairs

European Firearms PassTravel within EU with firearmsLicensed individualsRequires existing national licence. Wikipedia

EU Trade/Export Regulation (2024)Harmonises import/export/trade. All EU Reduces trafficking & improves traceability.  Consilium

National LawsDomestic licensing & controlsEach country’s residents & legal gun ownersMany states impose stricter rules than EU minimum.