This month, FACE and experts from its Firearms Working Group participated in an interview with the consultancy responsible for supporting the European Commission's evaluation of the Firearms Directive.

The meeting provided an opportunity to share practical experiences from across Europe and to highlight areas where the current framework could be improved without the reopening of the directive.

During the discussion, experts emphasised the importance of digitalising the European Firearms Pass (EFP) to make it easier for hunters and authorities to use. They also drew attention to the difficulties created by the different categorisation of firearms across Member States compared to the categorisation provided in the Firearms Directive and by the lack of easily accessible information on national restrictions. As a result, hunters travelling across borders often face uncertainty regarding the rules applicable in their country of destination.

To address these challenges, FACE highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding national restrictions and firearm classifications, including the development of an accessible information system that would enable hunters and authorities to identify the applicable rules in each Member State more easily.

Other issues raised during the interview included the classification of older smooth-bore firearms, the removal of unnecessary administrative burdens associated with the European Firearms Pass, and ways to improve legal certainty concerning the cross-border transport of sound moderators and night-vision equipment.

The interview forms part of the final phase of the evaluation process. The Commission's final evaluation report is currently expected to be published at the end of 2026 or early 2027. FACE will continue to engage with the Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of Europe's hunting community are fully reflected in the final outcome.