CEPOL delivers inaugural competency-based training for National Firearms Focal Points

CEPOL’s EU Training Hub Unit (EU THU) in cooperation with European Commission (DG Home / Firearms Team) and Instituto Superior de Ciências Policiais e Segurança Interna (ISCPCI) has successfully implemented the first-ever competency-based course for National Firearms Focal Points (NFFPs), in Lisbon, Portugal. The four-day intensive programme (from 29 September to 2 Ocober 2026) brought together 30 law enforcement professionals from 17 EU Member States, four Western Balkan countries, and Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in enhancing transnational cooperation against firearms trafficking.

Curriculum built on evidence-based needs

The course was developed following a Training Needs Analysis (TNA), conducted jointly by CEPOL’s EU THU and the European Commission in April 2026 and validated under the EMPACT Firearms and Explosives (FI-X) Operational Action Plan on 1 October 2026. The NFFPs Competency Toolkit, funded by the EU4SEC Moldova Project and developed by ICU, served as the foundation for the curriculum. This toolkit - comprising a Competency Matrix, Learning Outcomes Framework, and TNA Questionnaire - was refined through inputs from European NFFP practitioners and aligned with international legal frameworks and EU best practices.

The TNA survey, distributed by the European Commission to NFFPs across the EU, as well as counterparts in the Western Balkans, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Ukraine, received 59 responses from 23 EU Member States and five non-EU jurisdictions - representing an 88% participation rate among invited EU nations and 36% from non-EU partners. Key training priorities identified included:

• Database management for firearms information exchange;
• Development of analytical reports to support criminal investigations;
• Application of EU and international firearms legislation; and
• Tracing methodologies to combat illicit trafficking networks.

An interactive, scenario-driven approach

Unlike traditional training formats, the course emphasised practical, competency-based learning through simulations, case studies, and group exercises:

• Day 1: The European Commission (DG Home/ Firearms Team) presented case studies, challenging participants to apply EU firearms legislation in hypothetical scenarios. INTERPOL followed with a hands-on demonstration of the relevant databases used, culminating in an individual exercise where learners managed simulated and pseudonymised firearms data.
• Day 2: The Spanish NFFP shared best practices on analytical report creation, followed by a group exercise where participants analysed a fictitious complex firearms crime scenario. Working individually and in teams, they produced intelligence reports for decision-makers, simulating the disruption of a criminal network.
• Day 3: Europol introduced operational tools for combating firearms crime. Participants then engaged in a fictitious cross-border case simulation, drafting information requests based on provided evidence. The day concluded with a multi-phase tabletop exercise, where five NFFP teams (representing three EU and two non-EU jurisdictions) coordinated with Europol and INTERPOL experts, exchanging intelligence in real time as the scenario unfolded.

• Day 4: The five groups presented their strategic responses in a plenary session, demonstrating their ability to:

  - Manage differentfirearms databases;

  - Exchange secure, actionable intelligence;

  - Apply legislative frameworks and data protection protocols; and

  - Produce analytical reports to support investigative and operational decisions.

The course concluded with a comprehensive debrief led by trainers and organisers, reinforcing key competencies and lessons learned.

C. Stakeholder recognition and future collaboration

The European Commission commended the high calibre of the training, noting tangible progress compared to the 2025 edition and reaffirming its commitment to competency-based NFFPs training in partnership with CEPOL.

CEPOL extended its gratitude to:

• The Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) and Portuguese National Firearms Focal Point for hosting and supporting the event;
• The Portuguese CEPOL National Unit for their operational assistance for the success of the course; 
• The European Commission for their collaborative efforts in designing and delivering the programme; and
• The course participants for their high commitment during the whole learning path. 

Trainers from Europol and INTERPOL highlighted the exceptional engagement of participants, particularly in practical exercises, and emphasised the course’s role in strengthening operational capacities across jurisdictions.