EU considers changing wolf protection status to increase management flexibility
The European Commission proposed a shift in protection status for wolves across EU member states, moving from a strictly protected regime to a broader protected designation. The plan also updates the legal framework to give national authorities more room to manage wolf populations in a way that balances biodiversity with rural livelihoods.
Current conservation status for wolves, adopted in 1979 under the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife, has guided protection efforts for decades. The Commission notes that scientific data from earlier negotiations supported strict protections, but recent findings show a significant rise in wolf numbers over the past twenty years, along with new challenges in certain regions where livestock losses have increased.
Brussels urged national and local authorities to adopt necessary measures with public backing and to pursue clear, modern approaches to managing large carnivores when existing tools prove insufficient.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the wolf’s resurgence benefits Europe’s biodiversity. Yet she acknowledged that concentrated wolf packs in some areas pose real risks to livestock and rural communities. Local authorities have long called for more flexible management to address high concentrations, and the EU is seeking solutions that protect biodiversity while safeguarding rural economies.
The Commission’s proposal argues that the growing wolf population justifies updating legal protections to allow targeted, adaptable management strategies, provided the species remains in a favorable conservation status overall.
In parallel, the Commission pledged continued support for national and local efforts, including funding and practical guidance to promote coexistence with wolves and other large carnivores. Investments in preventive measures to reduce predation are viewed as essential by environmental authorities.
Member states are urged to respond promptly
Decisions now rest with EU member states. If the proposal is accepted, the modification to the wolf conservation status would be submitted by the EU to the Berne Convention Standing Committee for further recommendation. Critics warn that any change could alter long-standing protection practices and affect conservation outcomes across member states. Environmental organizations have voiced concerns about the scientific basis for the shift and the perceived political motivations behind the proposal. They argue that many regions have not yet achieved a positive conservation status for wolves and question the timing and rationale of the move. [citation]
Opinion leaders stress the need for a balanced approach that preserves biodiversity while protecting farmers and rural communities from livestock losses. The debate highlights the delicate tradeoffs involved in wildlife management at a continental scale and the importance of transparent, evidence-based policy making. [citation]