Brussels, 13/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has decided to begin or continue legal proceedings against Spain concerning three infringements of Community legislation for the protection of wild birds and animals. Two matters concern the adverse effects that certain road infrastructures would have on wildlife, mainly: 1) the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in the Doñana region (Andalusia): the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion (last warning); 2) various species in the area known as “Encinares del río Alberche y río Cofio” (two rivers near Madrid): the Commission is sending a formal warning (first warning). The third affair concerns the spring hunting of migratory birds as they return to their breeding grounds in the province of Vizcaya, declared unlawful by a Court of Justice ruling. The Commission is also sending a last written warning for this third affair. If Spain does not respond within two months to the reasoned opinions, the Commission will take the matter before the Court of Justice. (il)