Criminal Police Services from Southeast and East Europe Jointly Address Rising Risks of Blank-Firing Weapon Misuse
Representatives of Criminal Police Services from across Southeast and East Europe gathered in Tirana, Albania, on 8–9 April 2025 for a regional meeting to address the evolving threats posed by illicit firearms trafficking, with a particular focus on blank-firing weapons and their conversion.
The two-day meeting, hosted by SEESAC with the support of the European Union, brought together representatives of Law enforcement agencies from the Western Balkan six jurisdictions, Moldova and Ukraine, as well as international experts to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for strengthened regional cooperation on SALW related issues.
In light of the growing trend of misuse and conversion of blank-firing weapons into functional firearms, the agenda featured focused sessions exploring legal frameworks, enforcement practices, and testing methodologies across all Western Balkan jurisdictions, Moldova and Ukraine. Presentations from experts from Bulgaria, Turkey, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium, alongside EUROPOL and the European Firearms Experts Group (EFE), highlighted legislative updates, border control challenges, and case studies of conversion workshops and weapon detection.
SEESAC also presented findings on the implementation of EU legislation related to alarm and signal weapons, while technical experts provided valuable insights into the testing and certification processes critical for limiting the misuse of these weapons
The meeting wrapped up with participants exchanging concrete ideas on how to strengthen cross-border coordination and harmonize approaches to regulating blank-firing weapons. Delegates emphasized the importance of enhancing data sharing, investing in technical support, and fostering sustained regional dialogue to stay ahead of evolving challenges.
The Regional Meeting of Criminal Police Services in Southeast and East Europe was organized within the framework of the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006 aimed at supporting the fight against the illegal possession, misuse, and trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans and beyond.