The terrorist attacks in Paris and Copenhagen of 2015 brought anxiety and shock to Europe. Despite the social and emotional consequences for the citizens of the European Union, the political and legal consequences on the European legislative level are occupying the Court of Justice of the European Union (hereinafter “CJEU” or “the Court”) today.2 The terrorist attacks lead to a tightening of the firearms legislation in the European Union.3 Namely, Directive 2017/853, which governs the firearm legislation in the European Union, is a direct far-reaching implication and consequence of the terrorist attacks of 2015. This Directive tightens the firearms regime in the European Union and sets the common floor of firearms regulation for all Member States of the European Union. This article discusses the implications of this latest Directive on firearms possession in the European Union.
Niels F. Kirst