BRUSSELS, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission Monday welcomed new measures to strengthen control of the acquisition and possession of weapons in the European Union (EU).

    "Citizens will be better protected against uncontrolled circulation of firearms, by beefing up our tracing systems and requirements, notably as regards minors," said European Commission Vice President Gunter Verheugen, who is responsible for enterprise and industry policy.

    The new measures were adopted by EU justice and home affairs ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg Friday.

    Under the new measures, firearms must be marked at the time of manufacture, or when transferred from government stocks to permanent civil use.

    Each EU member state has to set up a computerized filing system to maintain data on firearms for at least 20 years.

    The use of firearms by persons under 18 years old will be strictly controlled and the purchase by minors is forbidden.

    EU member states have to align their relevant national legislation to the new measures within two years.