On Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) and the Association of European Manufacturers of Sporting Firearms (ESFAM) co-hosted their annual Dinner Debate on “EU Firearms Policy for Hunting and Sport Shooting” at the Stanhope Hotel in Brussels. The event brought together Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) alongside representatives from EU institutions, Member States and stakeholder organisations.

The dinner debate was attended by several MEPs, including Mr Alex Saliba (Malta), Mr Riho Terras (Estonia), Mr Eero Heinäluoma (Finland), Mr Christophe Bay (France), Mr Geadis Geadi (Cyprus), Mr Jaak Madison (Estonia), Mr Roman Haider (Austria), as well as Mr Kristian Vigenin (Bulgaria). Interventions from key MEPs contributed to a substantive and policy-focused exchange. The debate also benefited from the interventions of Ms Marie-Pierre Dechene, President of ESFAM; Dr David Scallan, FACE Secretary General; and a representative from the European Commission.

The debate provided MEPs and key stakeholders with a focused opportunity to exchange views on ongoing and future developments in EU firearms policy. The discussion enabled participants to reflect on current and upcoming legislative and non-legislative initiatives, and how these can ensure a high level of public security while taking into account the realities of Europe’s industry, hunters and sport shooters.

FACE and ESFAM highlighted the relevance of the debate to stress the importance of ensuring that the EU framework recognises the social, cultural and economic contribution of the wider sector, while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance. ESFAM President, Ms Marie-Pierre Dechene, underlined the role of Europe’s sporting firearms manufacturers in supporting robust, workable and future-proof legislation that reflects technological developments and users’ needs.

The dinner debate once again underscored the strong cooperation between hunters and the sporting firearms industry at the European level. FACE and ESFAM extend their sincere thanks to all participants for their active engagement and look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue with EU decision-makers throughout the parliamentary term.

Event photos are available at this link