European Commission hits Malta with infringement proceedings over finch trapping

Updated 7.19pm

The European Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Malta over its decision to allow the trapping of seven finch species for “research purposes”, saying the practice amounts to “recreational hunting in disguise”.

In September, a European court ruled against Malta’s finch trapping regime, saying the project did not establish a genuine research purpose and could not be justified. 

The ruling reaffirmed that Malta had previously breached the Directive in 2018 by permitting large-scale finch trapping without satisfying the derogation conditions. 

After publication of the judgment, the Maltese government said it would study the decision and plan “the way forward”, before publishing a legal notice opening a “research period” for finch trapping a month later, just days after a meeting between Clint Camilleri, the minister responsible for hunting, and EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall.

On Friday, the Commission said it had decided to open fresh infringement proceedings to address aspects not covered by the previous ruling. 

“The Commission maintains that the derogation adopted by Malta does not pursue a genuine research purpose and reintroduces recreational hunting in disguise despite previous Court rulings,” the Commission said, adding that the government failed to show theree are no other reasonable ways to carry out research without trapping finches, or ensure appropriate enforcement. 

The government now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion – a formal request to a member state to comply with EU law. 

Reacting to the announcement, the Gozo Ministry said the government had taken note of the decision, and remained committed to ongoing constructive dialogue with the Commission.  

“The recent productive discussions between Minister Clint Camilleri and Commissioner Jessika Roswall underscore Malta’s dedication to sincere cooperation and finding mutually agreeable solutions,” the ministry said. 

“The Government of Malta will continue to defend this research derogation, ensuring compliance with EU law while protecting the cultural identity and long-standing traditions of the Maltese and Gozitan communities.” 

The government now has two months to respond to the letter of formal notice. 

In September, the government also made it easier for hunters and trappers to carry out bird ringing by changing the law to no longer require rings to be obtained from BirdLife Malta.   

In a statement reacting to the news, ADPD the Green Party called on the government to "step up" to its international obligations and heed international law to work "hand in hand" with European partners to safeguard Malta's natural heritage.