The European Union regulates the possession of firearms through directives, but each member state has its own specific laws. This guide will guide you through the procedures for obtaining a gun licence in selected EU countries, show you the differences in approaches to gun law and help you understand the challenges of harmonising laws in Europe.
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Categories of firearms in the EU
Before we get into concrete examples, it is worth recalling how firearms are classified in the EU. EU Directive 2017/853 distinguishes four categories:
- Category A: Prohibited firearms (e.g. automatic weapons, concealed weapons).
- Category B: Firearms subject to authorization (e.g. pistols, revolvers, rifles).
- Category C: Registrable firearms (e.g. some shotguns).
- Category D: Firearms other than those listed above (e.g. alarm weapons, signal weapons).
Obtaining a gun permit: examples from selected countries
Poland
In Poland, a gun permit is issued by the provincial commander of the Police. To obtain them, you must meet a number of conditions:
- At least 21 years old: Persons under the age of 21 are not allowed to possess firearms.
- Full legal capacity: You cannot be incapacitated.
- Permanent residence in Poland: You must live legally in Poland.
- No health and psychological contraindications: You must provide medical and psychological certificates confirming that you can own a firearm.
- No criminal record: You must not have been convicted of an intentional crime.
- Justified need: You must demonstrate that you need the weapon, e.g. for sporting, collectible or hunting purposes. Self-defense is not considered a valid reason.
- Training and exam: You must undergo training in the safe use of weapons and pass a theoretical and practical exam.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has one of the more liberal gun laws in the EU. You can get a gun permit there for self-defense. The procedure is similar to the Polish one, but there are important differences:
- Self-defense as a legitimate reason: In the Czech Republic, you can legally own a gun for personal protection.
- Ability to carry weapons: The permit may authorize you to carry weapons in public places.
- Easier access to Tier C weapons: In the Czech Republic, it is easier to obtain a permit for category C weapons, e.g. hunting rifles.
Germany
Germany has a very restrictive gun law. Obtaining a permit is difficult and time-consuming.
- High minimum age: You must be at least 21 years old to obtain a sporting firearms permit. For weapons for hunting purposes, the age of 25 is required.
- Psychological tests: People under 25 years of age must undergo psychological tests.
- Restrictions on the number of weapons: You can only own a limited amount of weapons.
- Gun Storage Control: Authorities can control whether you store your guns safely.
Italy
In Italy, the procedure for obtaining a gun permit is complex and bureaucratic.
- Many types of permits: There are different types of gun permits, depending on the purpose of possession (e.g., sports, hunting, collecting).
- Need to justify the need: You need to prove that you actually need a gun for the declared purpose.
- Long Lead Time: The waiting time for the permit can be long.
European Firearms Card
If you want to legally transport and use your firearms in another EU country, you need a European Firearms Card (EKBP). The EKBP is issued by the competent authority in your country and is valid for five years. For example, you can go to a shooting competition in another EU country or go hunting.
Challenges related to the harmonisation of regulations
Harmonising firearms laws in the EU is a difficult task due to cultural and historical differences between Member States. Some countries have a more liberal approach to gun ownership, while others are more restrictive.
Challenges include:
- Differences in definitions: There is no uniform definition of ‘firearms’ across the EU.
- Different approaches to self-defense: Some countries allow the possession of weapons for self-defense, while others do not.
- Firearms trafficking: Controlling the trade in firearms in the EU is hampered by differences in legislation.
Summary
Firearms laws in the EU are complex and vary from country to country. If you want to obtain a firearms permit, carefully research the laws in your country and be prepared for a procedure that can be time-consuming.
