BirdLife Malta welcomes the decision by the European Commission to open a new infringement procedure against Malta. The Government has once again breached the EU Birds Directive by reintroducing finch trapping under the guise of “scientific research.”
The Commission’s letter of formal notice (INFR(2025)2128) confirms that Malta’s latest derogation, adopted on 17 October 2025, mirrors the system previously annulled by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Court has already ruled twice: in 2018 (C-557/15) and in 2024 (C-23/23), that Malta’s yearly finch-trapping derogations breach EU law. Despite these clear rulings, the Government has again authorised trapping for seven species of protected finches and presented it as a research exercise.
Now more than ever, it is clear that finch trapping does not constitute credible research. The European Commission has not been misled by these pseudo-research manoeuvres. It is therefore prudent to end these cover trapping seasons. This would show respect for Malta’s scientific community, which deserves a far better reputation, and prevent further damage to the country’s standing before the European Commission.
The Commission has made it clear that the derogation fails on several fundamental points. It does not serve a genuine scientific purpose. The derogation reintroduces recreational trapping in disguise. It does not prove that no alternative solutions exist. It also lacks adequate enforcement measures. BirdLife Malta has repeatedly raised these issues through field observations, evidence, and formal complaints.
With Malta given two months to respond to the Commission, BirdLife Malta calls on the Government to immediately suspend the derogation and respect both the letter and spirit of the Birds Directive. Continuing to bypass EU law undermines bird conservation and exposes Malta to further legal consequences at EU level.
As the organisation working to safeguard the country’s wild birds and their habitats, BirdLife Malta will continue monitoring the situation closely and providing evidence to the European Commission to ensure that protected species receive the full legal protection they are entitled to.
Read our press release in Maltese.
