On protection of migratory birds in the European Union 

The petitioner says that Malta is the only country in the EU to apply a derogation or exception to Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds. The petitioner points out that the improper implementation of this Directive is causing the death of thousands of members of vulnerable species, such as the quail or the turtle dove. The petitioner says that the Court of Justice of the European Union has declared that the Maltese authorities are continuing to allow the illegal capture of birds, in breach of EU legislation. The petitioner asks Parliament to launch a thorough investigation into this matter, and asks the Commission to take the appropriate steps to urge Malta strongly to comply strictly and wholly with the EU Birds Directive by protecting migratory birds and taking the necessary care of their natural environment.