The European civil firearms and ammunition industry, represented by AFEMS and IEACS, would like to congratulate you on your recent election to the European Parliament. Your success is a testament to your dedication, vision, and commitment to serving the people of Europe. As you embark on this significant journey, your leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of our continent.
AFEMS is the Association of European Manufacturers of Sporting Ammunition. With over 50 members, it represents a network of European manufacturers and distributors of sports ammunition, components, and machinery, each boasting vast experience and a long history in the industry. AFEMS’ members also cover more than 90% of the military production of small arms ammunition in the European Union.
IEACS is the European Institute for Hunting and Sporting Firearms. Through its members, it represents almost 1000 companies involved in the firearms and ammunition sector, and about 150 manufacturers of civilian firearms across Europe.
The newly established European Parliament will play a critical role in promoting a robust and competitive industrial sector as the foundation of Europe's economic prosperity and its strategic autonomy. Given its increased strategic importance in securing the supply chain for the military and defence sectors in recent years, it will therefore be crucial to ensure the competitiveness of the EU’s civil firearms and ammunition industry as part of this.
Additionally, a strong and competitive EU firearms and ammunition industry requires autonomous and reliable access to raw materials essential to our sector. It will therefore be necessary to tackle the EU’s dependency on third country suppliers, but also to ensure the continued unfettered use of these raw materials by our companies.
By addressing these challenges, we can fortify our industrial sector and enhance our global standing.
As you take on your new responsibilities, we look forward to a constructive dialogue between industry and the European Parliament and we stand ready to support you with our expertise in the promotion of initiatives and policies that will drive the EU firearms and ammunition industry forward. We believe it is key for our associations to be involved in any discussions about possible new regulations which will impact our sector, so as to ensure they are appropriate, proportionate and practical.
Once again, congratulations and best wishes for your term ahead.
To learn more, visit: www.afems.org and www.ieacs.eu