Hungary has the strictest firearm laws in the EU
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According to an independent judicial firearms expert, Hungary has the strictest regulations in the European Union for obtaining and possessing guns. Due to a well-functioning monitoring system and severe penalties, illegal gun purchases are uncommon in the country.
In Hungary, the laws governing gun acquisition and possession are stringent, Attila Nagy, an independent judicial firearms expert, told Magyar Nemzet. According to a 2004 law and government decree, numerous factors can prevent someone from obtaining a gun license, such as being under guardianship that excludes legal capacity or having a criminal record.
Multiple evaluations required, follow-ups every 4 years
Applicants undergo multiple evaluations to assess their suitability. Initially, a general practitioner conducts an examination, with follow-ups every four years. For those over 60, the check-ups occur every two years, and annually for those over 70. After passing the general practitioner’s examination, applicants must undergo a psychological evaluation by a designated psychologist.
Hobby hunters only need a one-time psychological evaluation, whereas athletes and those working in armed professions, like security personnel, must have another evaluation six months later.
Gun knowledge exam
Obtaining a firearms license requires passing a firearms knowledge exam. Aspiring hunters must also pass a state hunting exam, which includes mandatory training hours and an annual hunting license renewal with the relevant county hunting chamber. Sports shooters need to join a sports club or shooting association, where they receive certification and then select the gun they wish to use for their activities. The firearm expert highlighted that guns must be modified to prevent automatic firing or purchased from manufacturers that produce them in this manner.
For those seeking a gun for self-defence, they must provide a thorough justification. Permission is typically granted only if the applicant can prove that their life or physical safety can only be protected with a firearm.
Firearm storage laws
Firearm storage laws are also strict. Guns must be made of material resistant to significant external forces and stored in a secure, locked cabinet or fixed to a wall, floor, or cabinet. Handguns, such as pistols, must be stored in a fixed gun box. Firearms must be kept unloaded, with ammunition stored separately, and authorities regularly check compliance.
If you believe this the jokes on you!!! My 80 year old Hungarian brother-in-law sleeps with a loaded glock by his bed, can’t really see or walk but his celebrity status and friendly relation to FIDEZ means he gets a pass on all the medical and mental tests… sounds safe to me.
Petra’s comment really squelches what I was finally hoping would be something that I could think of positively for Hungary. It doesn’t matter what it is. Fidesz corruption destroys everything. Probably if you look at the whole country there is less gun crime due to strict Hungarian laws even while some people get around regulations due to Fidesz party connections. Keep in mind that Serbia is a huge arms producing country and has its’ own problems with gun violence in ways similar to the US. Criminals smuggle guns and even worse things from Serbia all the way to Sweden which is causing major problems there. I would think it highly likely that Hungarian criminals are getting firearms from Serbia. We have a similar problem in Canada with our proximity to the US. One thing I always remember said is that somehow Hungarian culture while prone to thievery is much less prone to violence. Anyone correct me if I am mistaken.