Three Spanish MEPs from the Socialists & Democrats group have asked the European Commission to assess whether a new hunting and fisheries law adopted by the Assembly of Madrid complies with EU biodiversity rules, raising concerns that the law may undermine conservation objectives under the Birds and Habitats Directives.
In a parliamentary question dated 29 June 2026, MEPs César Luena, Hana Jalloul Muro and José Cepeda challenged the scientific basis of the regional law, which introduces population control plans for species with surplus animals outside normal hunting periods, expands the use of certain hunting technologies, and amends rules for huntable species. Environmental and scientific organisations have questioned the necessity and proportionality of these measures, citing potential harm to biodiversity.
whether such measures should be grounded in up-to-date scientific data on species conservation status to justify their compatibility with the Directives; what obligations under EU law apply when rules expand or change the purpose of hunting, such as authorising off-season population control or new tools; and how the Commission verifies that regional legislative reforms align with EU conservation goals.
The question signals a potential cleavage between regional autonomy in wildlife management and EU-level biodiversity protection standards. If the Commission finds the law incompatible, it could trigger infringement proceedings, impacting Madrid's regulatory flexibility. Conversely, a permissive response could embolden other regions to adopt similar measures, potentially weakening EU conservation targets.
Stakeholders most affected include regional authorities in Madrid, which may face legal challenges or compliance costs; hunting and fishing communities, who could see expanded opportunities or restrictions depending on the outcome; environmental NGOs, which have already criticised the law; and the European Commission, which must balance subsidiarity with enforcement of EU environmental law.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal the policy direction on regional wildlife management within the EU legal framework.