EU declines full ban on lead ammunition despite 60,000 public submissions
BirdLife says decision-makers ignored strong citizen backing for a complete phase-out of toxic shot
Public support, partial action
EU decision-makers have opted against a complete ban on lead ammunition, despite more than 60,000 citizens calling for a total phase-out during the public consultation process. According to BirdLife, the outcome falls short of both scientific advice and the strength of public opinion expressed during the review.
BirdLife described the decision as a missed opportunity to remove a well-documented source of environmental contamination. The organisation said that while some restrictions have been agreed, they do not amount to the comprehensive ban campaigners had urged.
Lead’s ongoing impact on birds
Lead ammunition has long been linked to the poisoning of birds that ingest spent shot directly or consume contaminated prey. Waterbirds are particularly vulnerable, but raptors and scavengers can also be affected through secondary poisoning.
BirdLife has repeatedly argued that non-toxic alternatives are widely available and effective, making continued use of lead unnecessary. In its response to the decision, the organisation stated that “science is clear on the impacts of lead ammunition on wildlife and human health” and that a full ban would have been the most effective solution.
A question of political will
The debate over lead ammunition has run for years across Europe, with conservation groups pressing for continent-wide action. BirdLife said the scale of public participation in the consultation - over 60,000 submissions - demonstrated clear support for decisive change.
In its reaction, BirdLife said EU leaders had “ignored the call of thousands of citizens” by failing to adopt a complete prohibition. Campaigners argue that partial measures risk leaving loopholes that allow contamination to continue in parts of the countryside.
What happens next?
While restrictions are expected to reduce some uses of lead ammunition, BirdLife maintains that only a total phase-out would eliminate the risk of poisoning. The organisation has signalled that it will continue pressing for stronger action in future legislative reviews.
The decision leaves Europe with tighter controls than before, but not the comprehensive ban many conservationists had hoped for. For BirdLife and its supporters, the message is clear - without a full prohibition, lead will remain in the landscape, and birds will continue to pay the price.
February 2026
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