How spring hunting was negotiated

The European Commission has now decided to open a court case against Malta at the European Court of Justice over spring hunting. Prior to Malta's accession to the EU, the MIC (Malta-EU Information Centre), an office set up by the government in an effort to inform the Maltese public and reply to frequently asked questions on what to expect after membership, had the following published on its website:

"My impression was that EU membership will mean the end of hunting. Now we are being told that hunting will remain even after EU accession. Which way is it?

"It is true that many hunters have long been led to believe that their traditional hobby would not be allowed if Malta joins the EU. But this is why the Maltese government made it clear from the very start of negotiations that since Maltese hunting was a traditional hobby, it should continue to be allowed. During negotiations, Malta argued that hunting in Malta for turtle dove and quail is mostly practised in spring because it depends on migratory birds which in autumn are very scarce and irregular. The EU acknowledged these arguments and Malta will be able to retain hunting in spring, even after membership.

"So what exactly was negotiated on hunting?

"In Malta, the two main species that are hunted are turtledove and quail. Under EU law, hunting in spring is normally prohibited so that birds can be protected during their breeding period. However, during negotiations Malta declared that it will use a derogation from this part of the EU law so that hunting in spring can continue in Malta for turtledoves and quail.

"As a result, therefore, after membership Maltese hunters will continue to be able to hunt in spring. However, hunting in spring will be limited to turtledoves and quail, which are the two main species that are hunted at that time of the year. This means that other species will be protected in spring."

MIC also published a hunting and trapping information leaflet (Aġġornat, October 2002) which categorically states "tibqa' il-kaċċa għall-għasafar fir-rebbiegħa. (Bird hunting in spring will remain. Understandably many are now asking whether the MIC was then lying or whether the EU is now failing to honour what was agreed. I have no doubt in my mind that the Maltese government will not allow anyone to take it for a ride.