Malta to receive warning letter over spring hunting

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Malta to receive warning letter over spring hunting
By MaltaMedia News
Jun 30, 2006, 07:23

The European Commission has sent a first warning letter to Malta over the spring hunting of two species of quails and turtle doves. Meanwhile, in a press release, the Maltese government said that it has not yet received the notification for which the authorities will have to give its position in not more than two months.

The hunting of these migratory birds begins in March, during their return from Africa to their breeding grounds in Europe. On the basis of information provided by the Maltese authorities, the Commission believes that alternative solutions to spring hunting exist, i.e. hunting in the autumn. However the government said that it does not agree with the European Commission’s position and will do its utmost to defend its case.

In the light of the reply or absence of a reply from Malta, the Commission may decide to address a "Reasoned Opinion" (final written warning). This clearly and definitively sets out the reasons why it considers there to have been an infringement of EU law, and calls upon the Member State to comply within a specified period.

If the Member State fails to comply with the Reasoned Opinion, the Commission may decide to bring the case before the Court of Justice. Where the Court of Justice finds that the Treaty has been infringed, the offending Member State is required to take the measures necessary to conform.

Article 228 of the Treaty gives the Commission power to act against a Member State that does not comply with a previous judgement of the European Court of Justice. The article also allows the Commission to ask the Court to impose a financial penalty on the Member State concerned.

Meanwhile, the Commission has sent a first warning letter to Finland and Spain and has decided legal action against Italy in four separate cases. In addition, two final written warnings on the same grounds have been sent to Italy.

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