Meloni’s hunting reform spells pressure at home and a clash with Brussels – POLITICO

ROME — Political competition is heating up on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right flank ahead of next year’s election — and her government’s proposed reform of hunting laws has become the latest battleground in Italy’s culture wars.

The legislation, which would mark Italy’s biggest overhaul of hunting laws in more than three decades, would expand the rights of hunters by extending hunting grounds and seasons and increasing the number of huntable species. Most controversially, it would redefine hunters as “bioregulators” who help protect biodiversity. It has been passed by the country’s senate and is now being examined by the Agriculture Committee of Italy’s parliament.

If passed, the bill would also renew tensions between Rome and Brussels. The European Commission in December sent Rome an official letter regarding the proposal over concerns it could violate the EU’s Birds Directive; the EU executive has said it is “closely monitoring” the passage of legislation.