Overview

• The European Parliament voted to lower the wolf's protection status from 'strictly protected' to 'protected' under the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive.
• The change, enabling easier culling of 'problem wolves,' requires approval from EU member states and national transposition into law.
• Germany's coalition government plans to swiftly implement the downgrade, incorporating wolves into hunting regulations.
• Critics, including Green MEPs and conservationists, argue the decision lacks scientific justification and plan legal challenges.
• Proponents cite a growing EU wolf population of over 20,000 and increasing livestock attacks as reasons for more flexible management.