Press Rerlease: Environment: Court confirms that spring hunting in Malta is in breach of EU law

On 10 September, 2009, the European Court of Justice delivered its judgment in a case concerning the spring hunting of birds in Malta. The judgment clarified that spring hunting may only be permitted under certain strict conditions strictly proportionate with the aim of conserving bird species. The Commission had taken Malta to court for failing to provide adequate protection for birds, and had also applied for special interim measures to ensure that spring hunting did not continue while the case was being considered.