20 Feb 2025 European Commission Targets Regional Hunting Practices in Malta and France, again
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Brussels, 20 February 2025 – The European Commission’s recent decision to open infringement procedures against Malta and refer France to the Court of Justice of the EU over regional hunting practices has sparked anger within Europe’s hunting community. This latest action represents yet another instance of heavy-handed intervention that disproportionately targets rural communities with no measurable impact on biodiversity.
These regional hunting practices are deeply rooted in cultural heritage and have been regulated in accordance with the Birds Directive. The age-old use of net traps for birds is selective, with only small numbers of birds being caught, and strictly supervised, ensuring they pose no threat to biodiversity.
An infringement is being opened against Malta for their Finch trapping research project, which was redesigned to comply with a previous court ruling. France is being referred to the court for its traditional regional hunting of the woodpigeon, a species that is showing a large population increase across Europe. The number of individuals caught with this traditional method is insignificant.
“The European Commission’s latest action is a clear example of regulatory overreach. It represents an extremely strict interpretation of the Birds Directive and fails to acknowledge the cultural value of these practices,” said Laurens Hoedemaker, President of FACE. “Regional hunting methods are a part of Europe’s rural identity and pose no threat to wildlife populations. We urge the Commission to take a more proportionate approach, rather than criminalising local communities that have practiced these activities responsibly for generations.”
This is yet another move by the European Commission that erodes European traditions, local knowledge, and the fabric of rural communities. Such initiatives will alienate those who have safeguarded these practices for centuries without solving any nature conservation issues.
FACE calls on the European Commission to adhere to the principle of proportionality when addressing regional hunting activities. Europe’s hunters and rural communities deserve fair treatment and recognition of their contributions to conservation rather than legal action that disregards local realities.
For media inquiries, please contact:
European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE)
communication@face.eu
www.face.eu