In response to several terrorist attacks involving firearms in the EU over the last two years, the European Commission reached a provisional agreement in December 2016 to strengthen the existing EU Firearms Directive. The revised directive includes a ban on automatic firearms transformed into semi-automatic firearms; the inclusion of collectors and museums in the scope of the directive; the regulation of internet sales; the regulation of deactivated weapons; and, more exchange of information between member states. The measure is likely to go some way in reducing the threat of attacks involving firearms.
Nevertheless, major attacks in Europe throughout 2016 – such as the Christmas market attack in Berlin, the Nice Bastille Day attack and Russell Square attack in London – involved more easily accessible weapons, such as knives and vehicles. Already in January 2017, a Syrian national was arrested in Saarland, Germany, for plotting a vehicle-ramming attack; the suspect reportedly made contact with Islamic State (IS) representatives, requesting EUR 180,000 to buy eight heavy vehicles to drive into crowds. While firearms will remain attractive for militants, there is a higher likelihood of plots targeting EU member states that involve relatively simple weapons and tactics.