Getting a grip? Analysing the current policy responses for new firearms trafficking trends in Europe

Firearms trafficking is crucial for facilitating a wide range of organised crime activities in Europe. Yet, academic research for this topic tends be rather limited. Previous policy-oriented studies have demonstrated that illicit firearms markets in Europe tend to be closed markets in which criminal hierarchy plays an important role. In recent years this closed character seems to be eroding and this has resulted in easier availability of various types of firearms for a wider share of criminals and increased gun violence in various parts in Europe. Various policy and law enforcement initiatives at European and national level have been taken prevent and combat firearms trafficking. New trends in firearms trafficking (eg online trafficking), source regions (eg Ukraine) and technological developments (eg 3D printing) have the potential to significantly alter the key characteristics of illicit gun markets and trafficking, which in turn will significantly impact the possibilities for criminal and other types of gun violence. In this paper we will examine these challenges and analyse to what extent existing policy actions with regard to intelligence picture, legislative initiatives, operational capacities and international cooperation will suffice to counter these emerging threats.