Malta late with spring hunting derogation report

Malta has failed to meet a deadline to submit a report to the European Commission to justify a derogation to allow hunting next spring.

The report had to be submitted by the end of last month. A spokesman for the Environment Ministry said the report was still being compiled but will be completed shortly.

Following a visit to Malta by a Commission delegation last April, the government was asked to submit a detailed report justifying the use of a derogation under article nine of the EU's Birds Directive permitting the hunting of turtledove and quail in spring.

Hunting in spring is not permitted in the EU, however the Maltese authorities have been using a derogation, allowed under the Birds Directive, to justify spring hunting.

Once submitted, the report will be analysed by the Commission and a go-ahead has to be given in order for spring hunting to be allowed.

Speaking to the European Parliament last month, Nicholas Henley, Head of Unit of the Nature and Biodiversity Unit of the European Commission said the Treaty of Accession for Malta did not grant any derogation to allow hunting in spring. This was only possible because the government has opted to use a derogation permitted by the Birds Directive.

He said the derogation needs an EU green-light every year and has to be in accordance to the conditions permitting its use.

The Commission has already stated it wants to see changes in the way spring hunting is conducted in Malta. Various groups and MEPs are lobbying the Commission to outlaw spring hunting completely.