As part of a monthly package of infringement proceedings, the EU executive has decided to send a reasoned opinion - the second step in an infringement procedure - to Portugal's authorities to 'partially notify the relevant transposition measures' of the EU Firearms Directive into Portuguese law.

The revised EU Directive, adopted by member states in May 2017, tightens controls on the purchase and possession of firearms.

Member states were obliged to inform the Commission of the transposition measures for most of the provisions of the Directive by 14 September 2018.

The reasoned opinion follows letters of formal notice, which the Commission sent to member states, including Portugal, in November 2018.

Portugal and the remaining 19 member states now have two months to report on the measures taken, otherwise, the EU executive may decide to refer the case to the EU court of justice.