Illegal hunting of birds in the Mediterranean

20.2.2018

Question for written answer E-001030-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Olga Sehnalová (S&D)

According to a report by the Birdlife International organisation, 25 million wild birds were killed in the Mediterranean in 2015 alone. Around 9.6 million of those birds were killed on the territory of EU Member States, specifically Italy, Cyprus, Greece, France and Croatia.

However, this problem also affects other Member States. Birds in the Mediterranean are often shot or captured for entertainment, to be caged, or for food. Given that the total number of birds and the diversity of bird species is declining dramatically, the deliberate killing and capture of birds is unacceptable. It also runs contrary to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention), the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) and, in particular, Article 5 of Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds.

1. Does the Commission have any information on the illegal and deliberate killing and capture of wild birds in the Member States?2. Does the Commission agree that this practice is contrary to Directive 2009/147/EC?3. Does the Commission intend to take any steps to halt this illegal form of hunting?