The debate surrounding the future of sport shooting in Europe has reached a decisive moment. Amid new environmental proposals aimed at restricting the use of lead ammunition, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has raised its voice to draw attention to the impacts these measures could have on athletes, clubs, and sporting communities. From Brussels, Luciano Rossi, president of the ISSF, has called for the dialogue to move forward with balance and a realistic understanding of the environment in which this discipline develops.
The president’s intervention took place during a panel at the European Parliament, organized to discuss the implications of the draft legislation from the European Commission. The proposal, which sets forth significant restrictions, is presented as a step forward in sustainability, but it also opens a deeper debate on how to balance environmental protection with sporting development. In this context, Rossi clearly outlined the concerns present across the sport shooting ecosystem and the need for regulation that considers its complexity.
A call for proportionality in European regulations
During his presentation, Luciano Rossi emphasized that sport shooting operates under international rules that cannot be modified immediately, which makes any regional change a significant challenge for European athletes. He pointed out that the proposed restrictions could limit training and competition opportunities, creating disadvantages compared to athletes from other regions. At the same time, he acknowledged the importance of responsible lead management and valued the European Commission’s willingness to seek common ground, as long as realistic solutions are incorporated.
Rossi also warned about the economic impact that strict measures would bring, especially those related to lead storage in outdoor shooting ranges. For many facilities, including those run by non-profit organizations, adjusting their infrastructure would imply costs that are difficult to manage. The closure of ranges—he warned—would not only affect the sporting community but could even generate additional environmental risks by displacing the activity without proper planning. The lack of precise data on the approximately 4,000 active shooting ranges in Europe further complicates understanding the true dimension of the impact.
Toward sustainable and viable regulation for all stakeholders
The ISSF president highlighted that the key to progress lies in having clearer and more practical guidelines that allow environmental objectives to be met without harming the sporting framework. He stressed that measures must be flexible enough to adapt to the specific conditions of each shooting range, given the significant differences in their design, operation, and management possibilities. This perspective, he argued, is essential for ensuring that the transition to new regulations is truly effective.
Finally, Rossi explained that any significant change would require an implementation period longer than the five years suggested in the current draft, considering that modifications demand planning, financing, and a thorough case-by-case analysis. On behalf of the ISSF, he recommended extending compliance deadlines, allowing lead recovery based on each range’s characteristics, and enabling EU Member States to establish tailored environmental conditions when protection standards are met. His message—delivered firmly yet with openness to dialogue—aims to ensure that sport shooting can continue developing sustainably within the European framework.
