Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541557
16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 NOVEMBER 2025 NEWS BIRDLIFE Malta has welcomed the European Commission's de- cision to open a new infringe- ment procedure against Malta after a breach of the EU Birds Directive. The infringement procedure was opened in relation to the opening of a bird trapping sea- son under the guise of 'scientif- ic research'. "The commission has made it clear that the derogation fails on several fundamental points. It does not serve a genuine sci- entific purpose. The deroga- tion reintroduces recreational trapping in disguise. It does not prove that no alternative solutions exist. It also lacks ad- equate enforcement measures," BirdLife said on Saturday. The organisation said it has repeatedly raised these issues through field observations, ev- idence, and formal complaints. According to the commis- sion's letter of formal notice, it was confirmed that Malta's latest derogation, adopted on 17 October 2025, mirrors the system previously annulled by the Court of Justice of the Eu- ropean Union. The letter pointed out that the court has already ruled twice, in 2018 and in 2024, that Malta's yearly finch-trapping derogations breach EU law. "Despite these clear rulings, the government has again au- thorised trapping for seven species of protected finches and presented it as a research exercise," the letter stated. This year, 2,932 finch trapping sites and 1,641 sites for Golden Plover and Song Thrush have been authorised, an increase of 177 sites compared to last year. The government had claimed finch trapping is permitted for scientific study last October, yet evidence from previous years shows that all trappers engage in this activity illegally, keeping the birds in cages in- stead of releasing them. "Now more than ever, it is clear that finch trapping does not constitute credible re- search. The European Com- mission has not been misled by these pseudo-research ma- noeuvres," Birdlife said. "This would show respect for Malta's scientific community, which deserves a far better reputation, and prevent further damage to the country's standing before the European Commission." The organisation called on the government to immediate- ly suspend the derogation and respect both the letter and the spirit of the Birds Directive. BirdLife welcomes EU action over finch trapping Birdlife Malta says European Commission letter must be respected, calling on government to immediately suspend the derogation on finch trapping JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt BirdLife Malta called on the government to immediately suspend the derogation