The Estonian government has supported amendments to the Weapons Act drafted by the Ministry of the Interior, which provide for the revocation of firearm licences for third-country nationals within one year—that is, foreign nationals who are not citizens of European Union or NATO member states.

The amendments, which still need to be passed by parliament, will affect more than 1,300 third-country nationals permanently residing in Estonia who hold a firearm licence. Among them are many citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets stated that the amendments provide an additional solution for ensuring security and public order in the country.