Brussels: The European Commission has initiated infringement proceedings by sending a letter of formal notice to Cyprus, along with Bulgaria, Denmark, and France, for failing to correctly transpose the provisions of the Firearms Directive (Directive (EU) 2021/555).
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Directive establishes common minimum standards for the acquisition, possession, and commercial exchange of civilian firearms, such as those used for sport shooting and hunting. The Commission states that the Directive maintains high security standards and protection against criminal acts and illicit trafficking of firearms.
Following the issuance of the formal notices, the member states now have a two-month deadline to respond and address the shortcomings identified by the Commission. If their responses are deemed unsatisfactory, the Commission may proceed with issuing a reasoned opinion, the next step in the infringement process.