WIREDGOV

On 19 November 2018, the Council adopted a new EU strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition "Securing arms, protecting citizens".

Illicit SALW continue to contribute to instability and violence in the EU, in its immediate neighborhood, and in the rest of the world. Illicit small arms are fueling armed violence and organised crime, global terrorism and conflicts, thwarting sustainable development and crisis management efforts. They destabilise entire regions, states and their societies, and increase the impact of terrorist attacks. This is why the Council is committed to preventing and curbing the illicit trade in SALW and their ammunition and is promoting accountability and responsibility with regard to their legal trade.

The new EU strategy replaces the strategy adopted in 2005. The new strategy takes into account the evolved security context, including the threat of terrorism inside the EU and developments in SALW design and technology affecting the capacity of governments to address the threat. It also takes into account the guiding principles of the 2016 EU Global Strategy.

• Read the full text of the conclusions and the strategy
• Joint Communication: Elements towards an EU Strategy against illicit Firearms, Small Arms & Light Weapons and their Ammunition - "Securing Arms, Protecting Citizens", 13 June 2018

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