After the European elections and while the EU institutions reshuffle their political personnel, we take the opportunity to meet members of parliament in their constituencies. On 12th July, AECAC Secretary General Peter Brass met with MEP Norbert Lins (EPP).
The focus was on setting the course for European policy after the elections in June and the debates on EU firearms legislation and the impending lead ban.
Our exchange with Mr Lins, who chaired the influential Committee on Agriculture in the European Parliament during the last legislative period, took place in one of the most beautiful spots in Germany, at Lake Constance.
Picture from left to right: MEP Norbert Lins, Peter Brass
Lins reported on the preparations to secure the necessary majority for his party colleague Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament in mid-July. In view of the election results, talks with various political groups were necessary in order to finalise this important personnel matter before the summer break in Brussels.
The MEP confirmed that the Commission has still not presented its proposal to ban leaded ammunition. However, this is expected in the coming weeks. The rules, transitional periods and requirements would then have to be analyzed in detail. The parliament in Strasbourg and the member states will then have to approve the proposals. Important personnel decisions are currently being made in the European Parliament: Who will take on which office?
Who will sit on which committee?
Norbert Lins strongly advised us to seek dialogue with the new MEPs at an early stage. Peter Brass was able to reassure the MEP: The AECAC will be back in Brussels, the political capital of Europe, for talks in September. One key reason: The European Firearms Directive is to be evaluated as early as next year – possible new legislative proposals from Brussels could then quickly be on the agenda.
‘It is not unlikely that we will see a parliamentary debate on firearms legislation in Brussels and Strasbourg soon, which makes exchanges such as today’s with Mr Lins, whom I would like to thank warmly for the discussion, all the more important,’ said Peter Brass, summarizing the afternoon at Lake Constance.