The European Union's condemnation arrived just in time after Malta's crackdown on finch capture.
FACE reports that the European Court of Justice has condemned the state of Malta for the activities permitted to live-trapping enthusiasts of seven finch species. The European Hunters' Federation also notes the Court of Justice's repeated restrictive interpretation of the Birds Directive.
It points out that this Directive does not exclude the possibility of derogating from such traditional activities, such as the capture of finches in this case, and that this can be done under Article 9, paragraph 1, letter c.
Despite this possibility, the conviction has been reached and FACE itself is now actively working with its lawyers and in coordination with the Malta Hunters' Federation – FKNK – to assess how best to make future use of the resources granted by the Birds Directive on the island.
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