17/05/2018 (Agence Europe) – The Commission decided on Thursday 17 May decided to refer Austria to the European Court of Justice for allowing the hunting of woodcock during its reproductive period in the region of Lower Austria, in breach of the EU rules. The woodcock is protected under the birds directive (Directive 2009/147/EC). Lower Austria authorises the spring hunting of woodcock from 1 March until 15 April, which coincides with the breeding and rearing season of the local breeding...