Brussels, 4 December 2024 – Yesterday, the FACE-ESFAM Annual Christmas Reception, co-hosted by the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) and the Association of European Manufacturers of Sporting Firearms (ESFAM), welcomed over 90 distinguished participants, including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and representatives from various stakeholder organisations.

This year’s event featured a cocktail reception, providing MEPs and key stakeholders with a valuable opportunity to connect and discuss potential developments in critical files for the new parliamentary term. As the first networking event of this term dedicated to firearms, it offered a platform to explore topics related to the responsible ownership and use of hunting and sporting firearms, setting the stage for collaborative discussions on future regulatory priorities.

Ms. Marie-Pierre Dechene, Chair of ESFAM, expressed her gratitude for the dynamic conversations that shaped the evening: “This reception highlighted the importance of open dialogue between key players in our sector, allowing us to align on shared objectives and address pressing issues with a united voice.”

FACE President, Mr. Laurens Hoedemaker, emphasised the importance of the event: “This reception provided an important opportunity to establish meaningful relationships and ensure policymakers are well-informed about our priorities for sustainable hunting and the regulatory framework for firearms at the European level.”

The event also underscored the strong collaboration between hunters and the sporting firearms industry. It highlighted shared commitments while facilitating an inclusive dialogue among participants from across the political spectrum.

FACE and ESFAM extend their sincere gratitude to all attendees for their engagement and contributions, looking forward to building on this momentum as the new parliamentary is getting into full operation.