Today, Advocate-General Tamara Capeta delivered her Opinion in the case of Commission v Malta concerning the research derogation on seven species of wild finches.
The Advocate-General’s Opinion is not binding on the Court of Justice. Advocates General provide independent legal solutions to the cases they handle, and their opinions serve as a recommendation to the Court. The final judgment from the Court of Justice of the European Union will be delivered at a later date.
The Government of Malta takes note of this Opinion. It is however disappointed with the Advocate-General’s conclusions. Although the Opinion is still to be examined in depth, the Government remains committed to the cause and ready to re-open proceedings before the Court of Justice to continue defending the research derogation and the interests of hunters and trappers. The Government of Malta is convinced with the argument that it presented to the Court of Justice, and it is still possible that the Court will rule in Malta’s favour.
