Regional Study on Convertible Weapons
In 2008, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted Directive 2008/51/EC, which amended the Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons. One of the amendments reflects the debate over control of convertible weapons, which were included within the definition of a firearm for the purposes of Directive 91/477/EEC. However, no research on the existing legislation of convertible weapons in the Western Balkan countries or the approximation of European Union (EU) regulations in relation to convertible weapons had been conducted and therefore the situation throughout the region largely remained unknown.
Cognisant of the above, SEESAC has initiated a research project combining an analysis of existing legislation on convertible weapons in the Western Balkan along with recommendations for relevant changes to legislation in order to address the issue.
The study will examine legislation in the Western Balkan states in relation to convertible weapons from four complementary perspectives:
- How convertible weapons, or weapons which may be convertible, are addressed in existing legislation and the extent to which this is corresponds with EU regulations.
- The extent to which other relevant legislation provides the minimum standards of EU regulations for the categories of firearms which are most likely to apply to convertible weapons.
- The provisions by which the concerns about illicit weapons conversions, the availability of means of conversion, and regulations on work or alteration of weapons are addressed in national legislation.
- Regulations on the licensing, carrying, and/or transfer of firearms, which could include convertible weapons.
The study is conducted by Mr Loren Persi.
As of July 2009 the main research work has been finalised. The draft report has been sent out for comments to the relevant counterparts.
In September 2009 comments have been received, reviewed and incorporated. Design layout and printing will be finalised in October 2009.
