The EU's beacon for hunting: deregulation for hunters in the crosshairs

The Italian government has initiated the formal examination of a proposed bill aimed at reforming the country's hunting laws, sparking significant debate among environmentalists, opposition parties, and agricultural stakeholders. The draft law, which seeks to modernize the existing legislation on hunting (Law No. 157/92), is currently under review by the Agriculture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies following its approval by the Senate on June 23, 2026. This marks a critical phase in the legislative process, as the bill moves closer to potential final passage.

Central to the controversy surrounding the bill is the perceived relaxation of regulations governing hunting activities. Critics argue that the proposal could expand the rights of hunters by allowing regions greater autonomy in determining when and where hunting can occur. Specifically, the bill grants regions the authority to extend the periods during which hunting is permitted throughout the year. Additionally, there is concern over the possibility of increasing the areas designated for hunting, potentially reaching up to 30 percent of the agroforestry and pastoral land within each region. These provisions have raised alarms about the risk of hunting during breeding seasons or migration periods of certain species, which could conflict with European Union directives on wildlife protection.

The issue has also drawn attention from the Italian presidency, particularly the Quirinale, which is reportedly monitoring the bill to ensure its compatibility with EU regulations, specifically the Habitats Directive and rules regarding bird migration. While technical assessments by the presidential offices have yet to begin, their involvement signals the gravity of the matter and underscores the need for alignment with international conservation standards.

The European Commission has expressed interest in the developments surrounding this legislation. During a press briefing in Brussels, spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen noted that the Commission is closely following the progress of the bill, emphasizing that it remains in a preliminary stage. Although the Commission has not issued any official comments on the legislation, it has maintained communication with Italian authorities and will provide feedback once the legislative process concludes in Italy. The Commission’s cautious approach reflects the importance of ensuring that national laws align with broader EU environmental policies.

Opposition voices, including those from the Five Star Movement (M5S), the Animal Rights Party (Avs), and the Democratic Party (PD), have been vocal in their criticism of the bill. They have labeled it a "shotgun" law, suggesting that it could lead to widespread deregulation of hunting practices. Their concerns include the potential expansion of hunting seasons into sensitive ecological periods, the possible increase in hunting zones, and the relaxation of restrictions on protected species. Furthermore, they highlight the risks associated with the use of live decoys, which could contribute to illegal trafficking of birds. These criticisms underscore the deep divisions between those who view the bill as necessary for supporting rural communities and those who see it as a threat to biodiversity and environmental integrity.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, the coming weeks will likely bring further scrutiny and debate. Environmental groups and opposition lawmakers have called for additional reviews, possibly involving the Environment Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, to address their concerns more thoroughly. Meanwhile, agricultural interests continue to support the bill, arguing that it provides much-needed flexibility to local administrations and supports traditional hunting practices.

With both domestic and international regulatory frameworks at stake, the outcome of this legislative battle will have implications beyond Italy’s borders. The final version of the law will need to balance the interests of hunters, farmers, and conservationists while adhering to EU environmental standards. As discussions unfold, the focus will remain on whether the new regulations will effectively protect wildlife without unduly restricting legitimate hunting activities.