Press Release: Environment: Romania in the dock for failing to protect wild birds

The European Commission is bringing Romania before the European Court of Justice for its repeated failure to provide adequate protection for wild birds. When Romania joined the Union in 2007, it was obliged to designate a number of areas to protect birds, but the legislative process has been slow, and although some progress has been made, Romania has still not delivered on a number of commitments regarding nature conservation. The country is home to 12 species that are globally threatened. Over one million hectares initially pencilled in for protection have still not received the legal designation they require. As warning letters have not had the desired effect, the Commission has decided to take even stronger measures and bring the country to court.