Press Release: Environment: Commission urges Malta to refrain from finch trapping

The European Commission asked the Maltese government on the 16 October 2014 to reconsider its decision to resume traditional finch trapping. This practice is prohibited under EU legislation on the conservation of wild birds. The case concerns Malta's decision to apply a derogation to the EU Birds Directive, the cornerstone of EU nature and biodiversity policy, allowing the live capture (commonly known as trapping) of seven species of wild finches as from 2014. Member States may derogate from the requirement of strict protection only in the absence of other satisfactory conservation solutions and if the conditions for using such derogations are met. As no such justification exists in this case, the Commission has decided to send a letter of formal notice, urging Malta to comply with the relevant EU rules and to respond within one month confirming that this has been done.

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/14/589: October infringements package: main decisions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-589_en.htm

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