EU Moves to Lower Wolves' Protection Status Across Member States

The European Commission proposes reclassifying wolves from 'strictly protected' to 'protected,' allowing for regulated hunting to address livestock conflicts.

• The European Commission has proposed downgrading the conservation status of wolves under the Bern Convention, enabling more flexible management by EU member states.
• The change would amend the EU Habitats Directive, allowing regulated hunting while ensuring wolf populations remain stable and protected from endangerment.
• Wolf populations in Europe have grown significantly, with approximately 20,300 wolves recorded in 2023, leading to increased livestock attacks and calls from farmers for action.
• Critics, including conservationists and Green lawmakers, argue the move is politically motivated and warn of potential ecological consequences, such as overpopulation of wild game.
• The proposal must still be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU before it becomes law, with some countries opposing the downgrade.

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