Firearms: European Commission urges Ireland to comply with EU rules on alarm and signal weapons

Together with the Firearms Directive (Directive (EU) 2021/555), these rules aim to prevent the possibility of converting alarm and signal weapons, which only discharge blank ammunition or irritants, into lethal firearms. EU Member States agreed on technical specifications for alarm and signal weapons, including the procedure for checking compliance and the need to exchange information between authorities. 

EU Member States had to transpose into their national laws the rules on alarm and signal weapons by 17 January 2020. The Commission had sent a letter of formal notice to all four Member States in May 2020. 

Following today’s reasoned opinion, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland and Luxembourg now have two months to notify the Commission of measures taken to ensure full implementation. Otherwise, the Commission may refer them to the Court of Justice of the European Union.