The President of the International Shooting Sport Federation, Luciano Rossi, has delivered a message to the European Union, urging politicians to find a balanced approach on proposed environmental measures within its member states.
It follows the draft legislation created by the European Commission, which would restrict the use of lead ammunition.
President Rossi was a panellist on the topic Restricting lead in ammunition in Europe: Implications and consequences at the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by MEP Riho Terras from Estonia. A keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Patrizia Tosetti, Director General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission.
Speaking alongside the President on the panel were Dr. Ruth Cromie, Research Fellow at Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust; and Mr. Thierry Jacobs, President of the Association of European Manufacturers of Sporting Ammunition.
President Rossi provided a presentation detailing how the EU's approach will impact shooting sport, if changes are not made to the proposal.
He stressed that athletes follow international rules that cannot be changed quickly and that regional regulation could affect the development of European athletes, highlighting it could lead to disadvantages in training and competition. He added his support for sustainability measures, with responsible lead management. He also acknowledged the European Commission's willingness to find compromise on this matter.
It follows the draft legislation created by the European Commission, which would restrict the use of lead ammunition.
President Rossi was a panellist on the topic Restricting lead in ammunition in Europe: Implications and consequences at the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by MEP Riho Terras from Estonia. A keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Patrizia Tosetti, Director General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission.
Speaking alongside the President on the panel were Dr. Ruth Cromie, Research Fellow at Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust; and Mr. Thierry Jacobs, President of the Association of European Manufacturers of Sporting Ammunition.
President Rossi provided a presentation detailing how the EU's approach will impact shooting sport, if changes are not made to the proposal.
He stressed that athletes follow international rules that cannot be changed quickly and that regional regulation could affect the development of European athletes, highlighting it could lead to disadvantages in training and competition. He added his support for sustainability measures, with responsible lead management. He also acknowledged the European Commission's willingness to find compromise on this matter.
Other concerns addressed include strict regulation on the storage of lead at outdoor shooting ranges which will come at a great financial cost to all venues, including those run not-for-profit. President Rossi argued the abandonment of several ranges due to these measures would maintain the environmental risk.
President Rossi outlined factors that would need to be considered moving forward. One of these is the lack of complete information on how many of the approximately 4,000 clay shooting ranges have adopted the recommend risk management measures already, which itself makes it difficult to yet understand the socio-economic impact these restrictions could have.
He asked for more precise and practical guidance, which could help achieve environmental objectives without negatively affecting local sporting communities. The complexity of these measures was highlighted too, stating it would be difficult for range owners to implement.
The President also said these changes to regulations would require longer than the suggested five-year compliance period that requires planning, funding and time to complete; while suggesting a case-by-case approach would better address the variety of range types and conditions.
In his closing remarks, President Rossi said the ISSF fully supports the EU's dedication to protecting the environment, outlining shooting sport's commitment to sustainability measures formed by the International Olympic Committee. He said any future measures must be practical and supported by solid evidence, calling for balance and flexibility in these regulations.
On behalf of the ISSF, President Rossi recommended:
It was also an opportunity to reunite with European Olympic Committees President, Spyros Capralos, who is also a member of the IOC Executive Board. They both remain committed to supporting shooting sport on the continent through their strong working relationship, ahead of the 2027 European Games in Istanbul.
President Rossi outlined factors that would need to be considered moving forward. One of these is the lack of complete information on how many of the approximately 4,000 clay shooting ranges have adopted the recommend risk management measures already, which itself makes it difficult to yet understand the socio-economic impact these restrictions could have.
He asked for more precise and practical guidance, which could help achieve environmental objectives without negatively affecting local sporting communities. The complexity of these measures was highlighted too, stating it would be difficult for range owners to implement.
The President also said these changes to regulations would require longer than the suggested five-year compliance period that requires planning, funding and time to complete; while suggesting a case-by-case approach would better address the variety of range types and conditions.
In his closing remarks, President Rossi said the ISSF fully supports the EU's dedication to protecting the environment, outlining shooting sport's commitment to sustainability measures formed by the International Olympic Committee. He said any future measures must be practical and supported by solid evidence, calling for balance and flexibility in these regulations.
On behalf of the ISSF, President Rossi recommended:
- An extension of the compliance period for feasible adaptation.
- Allowing lead recovery based on range design, use, maintenance, and economic viability rather than set intervals.
- Letting Member States approve environmental conditions tailored to each range if protection standards are met.
It was also an opportunity to reunite with European Olympic Committees President, Spyros Capralos, who is also a member of the IOC Executive Board. They both remain committed to supporting shooting sport on the continent through their strong working relationship, ahead of the 2027 European Games in Istanbul.