On 21 April 2026, European Goose Management Platform held its latest webinar on derogations for Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis). The species’ population has increased markedly over recent decades, contributing to growing human-wildlife conflicts, notably in relation to agricultural damage and air safety.

The webinar brought together policy and research perspectives on how to manage Barnacle Goose populations while ensuring effective conservation. The European Commission presented its newly published guidance document on the general system of protection of bird species under Article 5 and Article 9 of the Birds Directive.

Key points:

• The guidance clarifies the application of Articles 5 and 9 of the Birds Directive. While it is not legally binding, it aims to support consistent implementation, reduce administrative burdens, encourage preventive measures, underline the Directive’s flexibility, and promote cross-border cooperation for the management of migratory species.
• Derogations must meet three conditions: there is no satisfactory alternative, they are based on the grounds set out in Article 9(1), and they comply with the relevant technical requirements. Article 9(2) sets out reporting and monitoring obligations. Member States do not require prior authorisation to apply derogations, but they must report annually to the Commission via the HaBiDeS+ tool.

Range States (Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands) then presented their regulatory frameworks and shared practical experience of implementing derogations. Their interventions highlighted several recurring challenges, which often arise at Member State level, including administrative burden and litigation.

Academic researchers followed with reflections on monitoring, evaluation and the assessment of current practices and their outcomes.

The European Goose Management Platform operates under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

The webinar recording will be made available on YouTube.

• EGMP webinars: https://egmp.aewa.info/meetings/webinars
• EGMP webinars and other video material: https://www.youtube.com/@aewaeuropeangoosemanagemen1324/videos