Brussels accepts hunting season 'in principle'
'Three-week hunting season next year would be difficult to obtain'
Malta could avoid further legal action if the conditions set for this month's spring hunting season "are fully enforced" and adhered to, according to the European Commission.
If this is not done, however, the Commission would be ready to restart legal infringement procedures against Malta and this time it would lead to fines being imposed if it is found in breach of EU directives.
The hunting season is due to open for a drastically reduced period between April 24 and 30, with a national bag limit of 7,500 quails and turtle doves.
With a spring hunting season due to open for the first time in three years, following last year's ruling by the European Court of Justice, the Commission yesterday sent its first signal of approval over the decision.
Asked for an official reaction to the government's announcement made last week, a spokesman told The Times the Commission agreed in principle.
"The Commission considers that in principle the new legislation permitting spring hunting in 2010 appears to comply with the requirements of the ECJ's judgment," he said.
"It is nevertheless essential to effectively enforce all the conditions set out in the new legislation including the duration of the hunting season, the number of hunting licences and number of birds to be hunted. This will be monitored by the Commission," the spokesman added.
Spring hunting was last permitted in Malta in the spring of 2007. The season remained closed for the next two years following interim measures imposed by the ECJ: Malta was not allowed to permit the practice until the court case, instituted by the Commission, was decided upon.
According to the EU Birds Directive, hunting is not permitted during spring. However, last year the court in its judgment said autumn hunting was not a suitable alternative to spring hunting, leaving the door ajar for a limited season.
After weeks of indecision, amid talks with the Commission to try and obtain pre-approval for its decision, the government last week said it was allowing a six-day season for 2,500 hunters to shoot 3,900 quails and 3,600 turtle doves. The season will be closed when this tally is reached.
Originally, the government was toying with the idea of opening the season for 20 days, however sources close to the Commission said this was not well received in Brussels so the government had to scale down its original plans.
On Sunday, the government admitted that talks with the Commission over the issue were inconclusive. However, the Prime Minister said these talks would continue to try and establish a three-week hunting season next year.
However, this would be difficult to obtain, according to Commission sources.
Asked to comment officially on the possibility of extending the spring hunting season beyond this year's six-day period, the Commission's spokesman responded diplomatically.
"The Commission is considering whether the framework legislation for future hunting seasons is consistent with the proportionality criterion set out by the court."
But according to the sources, this will most probably mean that the 20-day season desired by Malta will not meet the Commission's approval.
Originally, hunters were allowed a full two-month season with no restrictions on the number of turtle doves and quails to be hunted.