EU updates gun regulations to track firearms; experts note domestic violence and suicide risks.
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A shooting occurred at a pizzeria in central Madrid due to gang fighting. The European Parliament and Council agreed to update EU regulations on the import, export, and transit of civilian firearms like shotguns and pistols to increase transparency and traceability within the EU. A key change is the establishment of a unified European Electronic Licensing System (ELS) for manufacturers and distributors, which must be implemented by 2026, with member states having until 2028 to adopt it or integrate their national digital systems. The regulation aims to prevent weapons from moving to countries with weaker laws. Despite high numbers of illegal firearms in the EU, research suggests that legal access to guns does not directly correlate with higher homicide rates; rather, the effectiveness of regulations regarding training and secure storage is more important. Furthermore, firearm deaths in Europe are often domestic, with a majority being suicides or homicides against women in domestic settings.
