Italy pushes controversial hunting law reform amid EU monitoring and NGO protests

The Italian Senate approved a sweeping reform of the hunting law, which now awaits a vote in the Chamber of Deputies. The centre‑right coalition, led by Lega and Fratelli d’Italia, is urging a rapid parliamentary procedure, aiming for approval by summer.

Environmental NGOs—57 associations including Legambiente, WWF, LIPU and Greenpeace—have sent a letter to Chamber President Lorenzo Fontana requesting that the draft also be examined by the Environment Committee, warning that the bill could breach EU Birds and Habitat directives. They highlight controversial measures such as declassifying the wolf from “strictly protected” to “protected”, expanding the list of huntable species, lengthening hunting seasons and allowing hunting in protected areas, parks and beaches.

The European Commission’s environment spokesperson, Anna‑Kaisa Itkonen, said Brussels is closely monitoring the proposal but will issue formal comments only after Italy’s legislative process concludes. The Commission has flagged possible incompatibilities with EU law and indicated it could consider infringement procedures if the final text violates the directives.