Law · Conservation · Accountability

EU Hunting Laws vs. Malta

Europe’s bird-protection rules are strict on paper. Malta’s trapping regime has repeatedly tested how those rules are enforced.

European protection of wild birds is anchored in the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC), which requires member states to conserve all wild bird species naturally occurring in the European Union.

01 · Protection

Critical periods

Hunting is prohibited during vulnerable stages, including breeding and migration.

02 · Exceptions

Strict derogations

Exceptions are permitted only under tightly defined conditions and must not undermine conservation.

03 · Investment

Conservation funding

The LIFE Programme finances habitat restoration, biodiversity protection and safer migratory routes.

25m

“An estimated 25 million birds are killed every year around the Mediterranean Basin alone as they migrate between Europe and Africa.”

European Commission · Birds Directive

The Malta case

When a “research” exemption became an enforcement test

Malta has faced sustained EU scrutiny over its implementation of bird-protection law. Following persistent infringement proceedings, the European Commission referred Malta to the Court of Justice of the European Union, challenging the country’s licensing of finch trapping under a purported “research” derogation.

The dispute cuts to the credibility of the EU’s wider biodiversity commitments. Both the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 commit the bloc to reversing biodiversity loss and strengthening protection for threatened species and ecosystems.