Governance & Policy
EU Birds Directive
The European Union's oldest nature law, protecting all wild bird species and their habitats, including through special protection areas.
Definition
The Birds Directive, adopted in 1979 and codified as Directive 2009/147/EC, protects all naturally occurring wild bird species in the EU. It requires member states to preserve sufficient habitats, designates special protection areas — integrated into the Natura 2000 network — regulates hunting of listed species, and bans deliberate killing, egg-taking and nest destruction.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Governance & Policy
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 19 August 2026
- Also known as
- Birds Directive · Directive 2009/147/EC
Overview
What it means
Every wild bird in the EU is legally protected, and the most vulnerable have dedicated protected habitat.
How it is used
Infrastructure projects assess effects on SPAs; hunting seasons follow its derogation rules; bird population data feed EU nature reporting.
Why it matters
Together with the Habitats Directive it forms the legal core of EU biodiversity protection, predating and shaping global conservation law.
Review
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