The European Commission has published guidelines for a pragmatic and proportionate implementation of the Birds Directive on the ground, while protecting Europe’s wild birds. This guidance document provides practical advice to support member states and stakeholders in implementing existing rules and Court of Justice of the EU case-law on the protection of wild birds, while reducing administrative burden.
The guidance document is a step to make the existing rules work better in practice. It will also contribute to a more consistent implementation of the rules across the EU, for instance by setting clear and standardized measures for recurring activities, such as forestry. This includes, for example, clarity on the use of flyway derogations, which will allow Member States to better coordinate action along recurring migratory routes as many bird populations move across borders.
The Commission guidance document will be translated into all EU official languages before being formally adopted.
More information is available online in the press release.
