The Commission has formally requested Belgium and Malta to report on how EU rules on alarm and signal weapons (Implementing Directive (EU) 2019/69) have been integrated into their national laws. 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.
The 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 Belgian and Maltese authorities communicated their transposing measures, but following an assessment of the texts received, the Commission found that some elements are missing. It has therefore decided today to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice. Belgium and Malta now have two months to notify the Commission about the measures taken to ensure full transposition of the rules concerned. Otherwise, the Commission may send a reasoned opinion.