In a written answer on 10 July 2026, Environment Commissioner Ms Roswall told the European Parliament that it is for Italian competent authorities and courts to ensure that firework displays near the Lago di Sartirana Special Area of Conservation comply with EU nature directives, and that the Commission may act only if systemic failures arise.
The answer responds to a question from Gaetano Pedulla (The Left), who raised concerns about a 20-minute firework show held 400 metres from the reserve during the late-June nesting season, potentially disturbing protected species such as the Ferruginous Duck, Little Bittern, Kingfisher and Marsh Harrier. Pedulla asked whether authorising such displays without an environmental impact assessment is compatible with the Habitats and Birds Directives, and what the Commission would do to involve Member States in banning fireworks near Natura 2000 sites.
the Habitats Directive requires Member States to avoid deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of species (Article 6(2)), and to carry out an appropriate assessment for any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a site (Article 6(3)). The Birds Directive also prohibits harmful activities against wild birds. Italy has transposed these rules and adopted national guidelines on Article 6(3) assessments, which Lombardy has incorporated into regional law.
The Commissioner stressed that applying these provisions to the specific case falls to Italian authorities and courts. The Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, would only intervene if systemic issues in the application of EU law arise. The answer thus reaffirms the existing legal obligations without announcing new EU-level measures or a ban on fireworks near Natura 2000 sites, leaving enforcement to national and regional bodies.
Italian authorities face the burden of ensuring compliance with EU nature law for local events; environmental NGOs may push for stricter enforcement; local organisers of traditional festivities could face restrictions; and protected bird species stand to benefit from reduced disturbance if assessments lead to mitigation measures.