VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has reaffirmed that Malta’s finch-trapping “research derogation” remains in breach of European Union law, warning the country is still under scrutiny for failing to comply with a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling.
In a letter dated 27 October 2025 to BirdLife Malta Chief Executive Mark Sultana, the Commission clarified that Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall did not endorse Malta’s derogation during her recent meeting with Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri. Instead, Roswall requested details on how Malta intends to implement the ECJ judgment in case C-23/23.
The Commission confirmed that its formal notice to Malta, issued in February 2025, remains valid as it assesses the new trapping rules adopted on 17 October. The letter, signed by Nicola Notaro from the Directorate-General for Environment, warned that if Malta persists in breaching EU law, the Commission may refer the case back to the ECJ.
BirdLife Malta accused the government of disguising an “illegal practice” already condemned by the ECJ in September 2024 and said the so-called research seasons of 2024 and 2025 have worsened Malta’s non-compliance with the EU Birds Directive.
The NGO reiterated its call for Malta to end all finch trapping and respect the Court’s rulings, warning that ongoing defiance could trigger further legal action and EU sanctions.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
