(2004/C 84 E/0598)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4079/03

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(14 January 2004)

Subject:   Bird trapping on Cyprus

Birdlife International alleges that illegal bird trapping on Cyprus, using both mist nets and lime sticks, has increased by 100 % over the past year, despite Government assurances to the contrary.

Will the Commission state whether the trapping of migratory birds in these ways will be contrary to EU law after the accession of Cyprus on 1 May 2004?

If so, has the Commission indicated to the Government of Cyprus that infringement proceedings may commence rapidly if the situation continues after the date of accession?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(23 February 2004)

As an acceding country, Cyprus will be required to fully implement and enforce the Birds Directive (1) on 1 May 2004. No transition period has been given and no specific derogations have been requested by Cyprus. In October 2003 Cyprus adopted national legislation to transpose the requirements of both the Birds and Habitats Directives (2).

More specifically, the Commission clearly pointed out during the negotiation for accession that certain bird-trapping methods, like the ones involving the use of mist nets and lime sticks, are incompatible with the provisions of the Birds Directive. The practice is illegal in Cyprus and the Cypriot authorities have assured the Commission that they would step up efforts for effective enforcement of the law in question.

The Commission continues to monitor the situation and the progress made by Cyprus in working towards meeting its obligations under Community law, not just in transposition but also in implementation and enforcement. Should problems be observed, then the Commission will raise them with the national authorities to seek their resolution. The Commission wishes to assure the Honourable Member that it will not hesitate to take all the appropriate measures, in order to guarantee the correct application of Community environmental law by its Member States.

(1)  Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.