Nature: Commission calls on Italy to comply with rules on hunting, particularly on the use of lead in ammunition

The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Italy (INFR(2023)2187) for failing to comply with the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC) and the REACH Regulation (Regulation 1907/2006/EC as amended by Regulation 2021/57/EU) because of changes introduced in the Italian hunting rules. The Birds Directive aims to protect all naturally occurring wild bird species present in the EU and their habitats. The REACH Regulation, as amended by Regulation 2021/57/EU, restricts the use of lead-containing gunshot in or near wetlands to protect water birds, the environment, and human health. The Commission has found that several pieces of Italian legislation are not in conformity with this EU legislation. In breach of the Birds Directive, Italian legislation grants regions the power to authorise the killing or capture of species of wild fauna, even in areas where hunting is prohibited, such as protected areas, and during the period of the year when hunting is prohibited. Moreover, Italian legislation does not comply with the provisions of the REACH Regulation, as amended on the use of lead in gunshot. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Italy, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_24_301