Birds Directive: a new Commission guidance to help Member States and stakeholders to implement rules

The European Commission published guidelines "for a pragmatic and proportionate implementation of the Birds Directive on the ground, while protecting Europe's wild birds", on 31/03/2026.

The document, which is not legally binding, provides practical advices 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.

According to the Commission, this guidance is "a step to make the existing rules work better in practice" and will "contribute to a more consistent implementation of the rules across the EU".

Indeed, since 1979, the Birds Directive has been protecting wild birds and their habitats across Europe, including by prohibiting all forms of deliberate killing in the wild. At the same time, these rules are balanced with socio-economic needs and challenges on the ground, for instance from farmers, foresters, and fishers", stressed the Commission.

The guidance also :
• "clarifies existing flexibilities under the Birds Directive and provides practical examples to…