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 population. The Commission says that the strict conditions for derogation have not been fulfilled and, therefore, Austria is in breach of the birds directive. A satisfactory alternative solution would be autumn hunting. The infringement proceedings were initiated in September 2013. Lower Austria is the only Austrian region that has not yet prohibited the spring hunting of woodcock. (LC)