EU opens infringement against Rome over hunting regulations

The European Commission has decided to initiate infringement proceedings against Italy due to its failure to comply with EU hunting directives. Brussels found that 'several Italian legislative acts do not comply with EU legislation', in particular with regard to the birds directive and the Reach regulation, which 'restricts the use of lead shot' to 'protect waterfowl, the environment and human health'.

The Commission found that several pieces of Italian legislation do not comply with EU law. In breach of the Birds Directive, Italian legislation grants regions the power to authorise the killing or capture of wildlife species, even in areas where hunting is prohibited, such as protected areas, and during the period of the year when hunting is prohibited. Moreover, the Italian legislation does not comply with the provisions of the REACH regulation, as amended, on the use of lead in firearms. The Commission has therefore sent a letter of formal notice to Italy, which now has two months to respond and remedy the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.