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Firearm Incidents in South East Europe: First Quarter 2026 Overview

SEESAC's latest Regional Armed Violence Monitor highlights firearm incident trends across South East Europe during January–March 2026. While the overall number of incidents remained largely stable compared to the previous quarter, weapon seizures continued to account for more than half of all reported cases, while incidents in the criminal context and public disputes involving firearms increased across the region.

  • 945 firearm incidents were recorded, representing an 8% increase compared to the previous quarter, while remaining nearly unchanged compared to the same period in 2025.
  • 526 cases involved weapon seizures, accounting for 56% of all reported incidents and remaining the most commonly recorded category.
  • Incidents in the criminal context increased by 23%, reaching 151 cases, including 68 incidents linked to organized crime and 33 armed robberies.
  • Public disputes involving firearms rose by 29% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 85 cases.
  • A total of 24 firearm incidents in the context of domestic violence were reported, a 20% decrease compared to the previous quarter.
  • Firearm-related fatalities declined from 26 to 20 victims, while the number of people threatened with firearms increased from 90 to 129 victims.
  • The number of injured victims rose from 79 to 100.
  • Incidents involving handguns remained the most frequently reported type of weapon, involved in 293 cases, a 17% increase compared to the previous quarter.
  • Cases involving explosive devices declined by half, reflecting a decrease in pyrotechnic device seizures following the holiday season.
  • In 65% of all reported incidents, the firearms involved were in illegal possession.

The Regional Quarterly Armed Violence Monitors provide evidence-based insight into patterns and consequences of firearm misuse, supporting informed policymaking and efforts to strengthen public safety and reduce armed violence across South East Europe.

The full Regional Quarterly Armed Violence Monitor is available here.

About the Armed Violence Monitoring Platform (AVMP)

The Armed Violence Monitoring Platform (AVMP) has been tracking firearm incidents in South East Europe since 2014. It collects detailed data from media and public institution reports covering the Western Balkans and Moldova.

The collected data encompasses the type of incident, firearms used, victim/perpetrator demographics, and the outcome of the incident, among others, providing essential insights for arms control efforts and policymaking. By making this data accessible, the platform supports targeted interventions to reduce the impact of armed violence on civilians.

The AVMP is currently supported by funding from the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006 to support SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South Europe, thereby reducing the threat posed by illicit small arms, light weapons, and their ammunition.

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