Combating Illicit Firearms: Ukrainian Delegation Gains Crucial Insights from Croatia
May 30, 2025
On 20–23 May, EUAM Ukraine facilitated a study visit for Ukrainian officials to Croatia to explore effective firearms control practices and their potential implementation in Ukraine.
The delegation comprised nine representatives from the Verkhovna Rada, Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police, and Security Service of Ukraine. They learned about Croatia’s experience harmonizing national firearms legislation with EU standards, managing trophy firearms, and conducting voluntary firearms surrender campaigns. Particular focus was placed on investigating illicit firearms trafficking, especially when involving law enforcement and military personnel.
Oleksandr Kravets, Deputy Head of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office, emphasized the importance of coordinated cooperation between prosecutors, investigative units, police, the Security Service, and the State Bureau of Investigation. He highlighted that “Croatia’s experience demonstrates the critical nature of illicit firearms trafficking as a national security challenge, both during armed conflicts and long afterward. Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to cooperating with EUAM Ukraine on firearms control projects.”
The Ukrainian delegates also visited the HS Produkt firearms manufacturing facilities in Karlovac, learning about control mechanisms for firearms production and export. Additionally, they explored humanitarian demining practices conducted by DOK-ING. The study visit culminated with signing a memorandum on cooperation between the Croatian and Ukrainian Ministries of Internal Affairs.
Member of Parliament Oleksandr Danutsa expressed gratitude for the well-organized visit and its informative program. He stated, “Insights into Croatian approaches to security, demining, and law enforcement are invaluable and will greatly benefit my legislative work, especially concerning the draft law ‘On the Right to Civilian Firearms.'”
