The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it is taking France to the EU Court of Justice for failing to ban the use of nets in bird hunting, despite repeated warnings. This legal action highlights a long-standing dispute over France’s compliance with the EU Birds Directive, which prohibits large-scale, non-selective methods of capturing wild birds.
The European Commission stated that France continues to authorize the use of horizontal and vertical nets to hunt certain bird species in five departments in Southwest France. These practices directly contravene the EU Birds Directive, which bans non-selective capture methods that threaten bird populations.
“The use of nets to capture birds is prohibited unless member states meet the strict criteria for derogation allowed under the directive,” the Commission said in a statement. “France has failed to demonstrate that the disputed nets meet those criteria.”
Despite receiving formal warnings from the Commission in 2019, 2020, and 2023, France has not taken sufficient action to address the issue. As a result, the Commission has escalated the matter by referring France to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
All You Should Know About the EU Birds Directive
The EU Birds Directive is a cornerstone of European wildlife conservation, aiming to protect all species of wild birds that occur naturally in the EU. It prohibits activities that directly threaten birds, such as deliberate killing, capture, destruction of nests, and the trade of live or dead birds.
France’s continued use of nets for bird hunting undermines these protections, according to the Commission. The practice not only endangers bird populations but also sets a concerning precedent for non-compliance with EU environmental laws.
French Authorities and Environmental Groups Reaction
The French environment and agriculture ministries did not respond to requests for comment on the legal action. However, environmental groups have welcomed the EU’s decision to hold France accountable.
Yves Verhilhac, of the French Bird Protection League, criticized successive French governments for ignoring EU bird protection directives and prioritizing the interests of hunting and farming lobbies.
“What is happening in France is catastrophic. Lawmakers fail to resist populism and cave in to the hunters’ and farmers’ lobbies,” Verhilhac said. “We are tired and on the ropes, and the EU is our only hope.”
This is not the first time France has faced legal action over bird hunting practices. In 2021, the EU Court of Justice ruled that the traditional French practice of trapping songbirds with glue was illegal and could not be authorized by the state.
Conclusion
The EU’s decision to sue France over bird hunting using nets goes to show the ongoing tension between national traditions and EU-wide conservation efforts. As the case moves to the EU Court of Justice, it will serve as a critical test of the EU’s ability to enforce its environmental laws and protect vulnerable bird species.
For environmental advocates, this legal action represents a vital step toward ensuring compliance with the EU Birds Directive and safeguarding Europe’s wildlife for future generations.
