The European Parliament yesterday voted overwhelmingly to standardize rules for gun control across the 27-nation block. This extends the power of the European Union (EU) into an area previously the concern of the nation states.

This standardization, first proposed 18-months ago, was given new impetus when an 18 year old went on a killing spree in Southern Finland last month killing eight people and himself. Finland had previously been one of the main opponents to the proposals.

The new rules will:

• Strictly control firearm use by under-18 years olds.
• Forbid the purchase of firearms by minors.
• Mandate EU states to set up a computerized system to maintain data on firearms for a minimum of 20 years.
• Oblige manufactures to mark firearms with identification details.
• Guarantee the proper use and recognition of the European Firearms Pass.

These rules represent a minimum of control within the EU. They will affect countries such as France, where presently, a 16-year-old can buy guns. Countries such as the UK, which already has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world, will be unaffected.

The proposal will need approval from ministers representing the states.

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