European Commission welcomes new gun control measures

21 04 2008

That’ll work…as long as everyone obeys the law and not just the
law-abiding citizens. But then the Europeans are not historically known for
concern about human rights.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/21/content_8022576.htm

www.chinaview.cn
2008-04-21
21:55:12

BRUSSELS, April 21 (Xinhua) — The European Commission Monday welcomed
new measures to strengthen control of the acquisition and possession of
weapons in the European Union (EU).

"Citizens will be better protected against uncontrolled circulation of
firearms, by beefing up our tracing systems and requirements, notably as
regards minors," said European Commission Vice President Gunter Verheugen,
who is responsible for enterprise and industry policy.

The new measures were adopted by EU justice and home affairs ministers
at a meeting in Luxembourg Friday.

Under the new measures, firearms must be marked at the time of
manufacture, or when transferred from government stocks to permanent civil
use.

Each EU member state has to set up a computerized filing system to
maintain data on firearms for at least 20 years.

The use of firearms by persons under 18 years old will be strictly
controlled and the purchase by minors is forbidden.

EU member states have to align their relevant national legislation to
the new measures within two years.

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