The RFEC launches a campaign to encourage people to vote in the European elections

The Royal Spanish Hunting Federation has launched the campaign “Hunting votes in Europe” with the aim of reminding the main political parties of the importance of hunting in Spain for the upcoming European elections on June 9.

Nearly 80% of the laws that affect the hunting sector come from Europe, hence the work we have as hunters to vote to change measures that affect traditional hunting and wildlife. With this campaign we aim to mobilize the vote of all Spanish hunters and for political parties to vote in favor of this sector.

Of the four major parties in our country, PP and Vox have sided with the activity, while SUMAR has rejected the proposal for support. The RFEC is awaiting the response of the PSOE, which has a week to make its position clear. The president of the RFEC, Manuel Gallardo, hopes that the main parties running in the European elections will work to ensure that the laws and decisions taken in Europe “are in line with the reality of the countryside and respectful of traditional uses.”

Why vote in favour of hunting in the European elections? (RFEC, 2024)

Laws and decisions that are in line with the reality of the countryside and respect traditional practices

Any rule or decision that affects hunting activity and conservation must be fair, viable, understandable, proportional and agreed upon with the affected sectors, under the premise of global sustainability, that is, economic, social and environmental.

Flexible implementation of the European Union Nature Directives.

In accordance with the principle of sustainable use and a balanced consideration of the interests of rural areas, the implementation of the Directives must take into account the particularities of each Member State and its traditions.

Respect for European cultural heritage

In a diverse European Union, it is essential to respect the cultural heritage of its member states, as a wealth of the Union itself and of all European citizens, ensuring its conservation and promotion.

Political parties will defend the reality of hunting in Spain in European institutions, refuting fake news and hoaxes that may be generated in order to discredit the activity in Spain.

Recognition of the essential role of hunting in conservation

It is a priority to improve the social image of hunting and hunters, recognising their fundamental role in the conservation and maintenance of different types of ecosystems in Europe.

Reinstatement of the Intergroup: “Biodiversity, Hunting and Countryside” for the period 2024-2029

The activity of this Intergroup has been very positive in the period that has just ended, so the continuity of the work carried out is considered important.

Institutional collaboration

The MEPs from the political parties will establish a fluid relationship with the Royal Spanish Hunting Federation, institutionalising meetings between the two.

Social participation

Whenever a regulation that may affect hunting activity is promoted or debated in the European institutions, political parties and their representatives in Europe will count on the RFEC to encourage social participation in the development of regulations.

As regards animal welfare legislation coming from the European Union, work will be done to ensure that it is in line with Spanish legislation. In particular, in what may affect hunting activity, currently there are regulations regarding the transport of animals and the welfare of dogs and cats. 

Promoting the hunting sector as a key element in the creation of wealth and employment in rural areas

As a strategic sector that generates 6.475 billion euros and supports more than 186,000 jobs, hunting must be taken into account and be present in meetings, development plans and organisations dealing with rural development and depopulation.

Political parties undertake to ensure that the data on which decisions affecting the fauna of our country are based are of official status in the Spanish state. And if this does not exist, the data provided by the RFEC and its scientific foundations will be taken into account.

Representation of the sector in advisory and decision-making bodies

Hunting, as a strategic sector present in 86% of the national territory, must be included in the consultative and decision-making bodies at European and national level that may affect the activity, such as issues of the environment, conservation, rural development, etc. The presence of the RFEC in international hunting defence organisations will have political support.

A sustainable hunting activity

To defend, within the framework of European legality, the different specialties linked to hunting activity in Spain, especially the recovery of traditional hunting such as Silvestrismo, the protection of sustainable hunting of migratory birds such as the turtledove, quail and thrush; and the promotion of the consumption of game meat, among others.