Brussels, 07 November 2023 - The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE), which represents over 7,000,000 hunters from across Europe and comprises 37 national hunting associations, including Malta’s 36-year member, the Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK), officially launched their manifesto for the 2024 European Elections at its Board Meeting held in Brussels.
These elections will have a significant impact on the political landscape of the EU for the next 5 years, impacting the direction of EU policies and initiatives, including environmental and hunting legislation.
The FACE Manifesto aims to ensure hunters and trappers’ interests are well-represented in the 2024 European Elections campaign, addressing the challenges that result from decisions made by Brussels.
FACE President Torbjörn Larsson stated that "This manifesto is a significant step in ensuring that the voices of Europe's hunters is heard and better understood. We call upon our policymakers to work together with hunters for advancing hunting and conservation".
The FKNK proudly joins this Europe-wide initiative to support the FACE Election Manifesto at the national level. FKNK President Lucas Micallef stated that: “We are committed to advocating for the interests of hunters, trappers and conservation in our country. This manifesto gives us a united voice for our mission to promote responsible hunting and the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage. We strongly encourage candidates and parties from across the political spectrum to sign and support this manifesto".
All FACE Members are gathering support for the manifesto from MEP candidates representing various political viewpoints. Candidate MEPs are asked to sign and show support to a workable and evidence-based approach to policymaking for hunting and conservation.
This manifesto outlines a set of 5 key requests and serves as a powerful tool to urge Europe's future policymakers to collaborate with hunters. It also highlights the importance of re-establishing the European Parliament "Biodiversity, Hunting, Countryside" Intergroup for the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, and urges lawmakers in Brussels to recognize the valuable contributions of hunters to conservation, the economy, and society.
Dr. David Scallan, FACE Secretary-General, underlined at the launch that "Exactly one year before the next European Elections (6-9 June 2024) – FACE and its Members concluded the European Hunters’ Campaign with more than 365,000 supporters from across Europe. FACE’s Election Manifesto builds on the success of this campaign, aiming to send a clear message to the next-term policymakers in Brussels: Work with us!".
The FACE Manifesto campaign will continue its efforts leading up to the European Elections in 2024 from 6-9 June.
Lino Farrugia
FACE Vice-President Mediterranean Region