A major new assessment launched by BirdLife International and EuroNatur has revealed that the vast majority of countries are falling behind on commitments to combat illegal bird killing (IKB). Titled The Killing 3.0, the report evaluates progress toward halving IKB by 2030—a target set under the Rome Strategic Plan by governments participating in the CMS MIKT and Bern Convention frameworks.

Unveiled during the Joint Meeting of the Bern Convention Special Focal Points (SFPs) on IKB and the CMS Intergovernmental Task Force on Illegal Killing, Taking and Trade of Migratory Birds in the Mediterranean (MIKT), held from 12–16 May in Bonn, Germany, the findings present a stark reality: just 8 of the 46 countries assessed are currently on track to meet the 50% reduction target by 2030.

Despite international commitments, millions of birds continue to be illegally shot, trapped, or poisoned across the region each year. Drawing on data from national experts, the report includes comprehensive regional findings, country-specific annexes for the Mediterranean, and targeted recommendations for urgent action. With only five years remaining to meet the 2030 target, the message is clear: without immediate and decisive measures, the damage to bird populations could become irreversible.