Press Release: Special protection areas for wild birds: Commission moves against France and Spain

On 26.2.01 the European Commission decided to refer France to the European Court of Justice and to send a Reasoned Opinion (second warning letter) to Spain for failure to designate enough special protection areas for wild birds under the European Union's Wild Birds Directive. Commenting on the decisions Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström said: 'Securing an adequate Community network of special protection areas for wild birds is a Commission priority to safeguard European biodiversity. We are therefore pursuing legal action against several Member States, including France and Spain. The Commission cannot overlook the fact that habitat loss has contributed to serious declines in the populations of many vulnerable wild bird species'.