Case C‑661/20

European Commission

v

Slovak Republic

Judgment of the Court (Sixth Chamber) of 22 June 2022

(Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations – Directive 92/43/EEC – Article 6(2) and (3) – Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora – Directive 2009/147/EC – Article 4(1) – Conservation of wild birds – Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) – Forest management strategies – Emergency felling – Appropriate assessment of their implications – Natura 2000 sites – Special protection areas designated for the conservation of the capercaillie – Absence of measures to prevent the deterioration of habitats and of special conservation measures in certain areas)

1. Environment – Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora – Directive 92/43 – Special protection areas – Obligation for the Member States to carry out an appropriate assessment of the implications of a plan or project for a site

   (Council Directive 92/43, Arts 6(3) and 7)

   (see paragraphs 56-60, 62-77, operative part 1)

2. Environment – Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora – Directive 92/43 – Special protection areas – Obligation of the Member States to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species – Failure to fulfil obligations – Burden of proof on the Commission – Scope

   (Council Directive 92/43, Arts 6(2) and 7)

   (see paragraphs 98-111, operative part 1)

3. Environment – Conservation of wild birds – Directive 2009/147 – Special conservation measures – Obligation for the Member States to adopt measures necessary for maintaining a favourable conservation status of the protected habitats and species

   (European Parliament and Council Directive 2009/147, Art. 4(1))

   (see paragraphs 127-135, operative part 1)

See the text of the decision.