Overview

• The European Parliament approved the downgrade of wolf protection status with a vote of 371–162–37, aligning the EU Habitat Directive with the Bern Convention.
• Member states now have 18 months to adapt their national laws, with regional authorities tasked with creating management plans that may include culling under specific conditions.
• Europe’s wolf population has grown to over 20,000, with conservation efforts credited for their recovery but sparking tensions with agricultural and public safety concerns.
• Environmental organizations, including WWF Italy, warn that culling could increase livestock predation and advocate for science-based prevention and coexistence measures.
• EU LIFE funds previously allocated for wolf coexistence may be redirected, raising concerns about reduced support for preventative tools in livestock protection.