Regional Progress in Focus: Workshop on SALW Legislative Harmonization with the EU Acquis Held in Brussels

SEESAC, in cooperation with EU Commission DG Home and the European External Action Service organized a Regional Workshop on the Harmonization of Legislation in the Field of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control with the EU Acquis. The two-day workshop that took place on 4–5 November 2025 in Brussels, gathered policymakers, legal experts, and practitioners from the Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Union.

During the workshop, the delegations shared detailed updates on aligning their national legislation with the EU Acquis, covering the field of firearms as well as the civil use of explosives and pyrotechnics. The discussions built on these updates by examining progress achieved, challenges encountered, and planned activities related to the implementation of the Firearms Directive and other relevant implementing directives.

The workshop fostered stronger regional cooperation while also enhancing participants’ understanding of the evolving EU legislative framework on firearms, explosives, and pyrotechnics.

Experts from DG HOME offered insight into the latest regulatory developments, including the application of Regulation 2025/41, definitions related to sound moderators and semi-finished products, and the legal implications of forthcoming Criminal Code amendments. They also shared an early overview of future legislative initiatives aimed at addressing emerging threats such as 3D-printed firearms and other technological developments.

Discussions also covered the regulation of explosives and pyrotechnics, guided by DG GROW representatives. Participants reviewed the requirements for implementing EU rules governing explosives for civil use and pyrotechnic articles, receiving clarification on technical standards, market-surveillance obligations, and common implementation challenges.

The organization of this workshop was carried out under the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006, supporting SEESAC’s disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe.