European Parliament Backs Proposed EU-wide Ban On Lead Gunshots

The European Parliament has voted to allow a proposed EU-wide ban on lead gunshot to move towards final adoption, rejecting objections to restrictions aimed at reducing pollution and protecting wildlife.

The proposal would prohibit lead gunshot in hunting and sport shooting across the EU, including outside wetlands, following a seven-year transition period. It would also apply across the European Economic Area and Northern Ireland.

The vote rejected two objections submitted by members of the European Conservatives and Reformists and Patriots for Europe groups. The measure builds on the existing EU ban on lead shot in wetlands, which came into force across all 27 Member States in February 2023.

According to BirdLife Europe, more than 44,000 tonnes of lead enter the European environment annually through hunting, sport shooting and fishing. The organisation estimates that lead pollution threatens at least 92 bird species and causes around one million bird deaths each year.

Birds of prey, including golden eagles, white-tailed eagles and vultures, are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning when feeding on contaminated animal remains. Waterbirds such as swans, mallards and flamingos are also at risk of accidentally swallowing lead pellets.

Lead contamination can also affect people, with BirdLife warning of potential exposure among children who consume game meat. The organisation maintains that there is no safe level of lead exposure.

The proposed restriction would give hunters and sport shooters seven years to move towards non-toxic alternatives, such as steel shot. However, the measure covers lead gunshot only, as lead bullets were removed from the European Commission's proposal.

BirdLife Europe welcomed the vote, describing it as an important step towards reducing lead pollution across Europe, while calling for further action to address the risks posed by lead bullets.

The organisation has campaigned for comprehensive restrictions through its #BanLeadNow campaign, which attracted more than 60,000 petition signatures.

The proposal will now move towards final adoption, after which national authorities will be responsible for ensuring the restrictions are properly enforced.

#MaltaDaily