The proposal, currently subject to member states' votes, could potentially undermine the recovery of wolf populations in the European Union.
The change in status would grant member states more leeway to permit the culling of wolves. Over the past decade, concerted efforts to recover wolf populations have led to a 25% increase in their range across mainland EU member states
However, this achievement is still fragile, with six out of the nine transboundary wolf populations in the EU yet to attain a favorable conservation status.
The EC's proposal also stands in contrast to the results of a recent survey among 10,000 Europeans across 10 member states, which revealed that 68% believe wolves should remain strictly protected, and 72% agree on their right to coexistence. The support for strict protection extends to 65% of farmers, challenging the representation of rural populations in EU policymaking processes, often swayed by farming and hunting interest groups.
The proposal also contradicts the EC's previous stance on large carnivores' protection. As recently as March 2023 and at various meetings, the EC defended the current protection status of wolves and emphasized its commitment to their preservation.
This decision to potentially downgrade wolf protection comes amid almost 300 NGOs urging the EC to base its decisions on scientific evidence. If the proposal is adopted, it could be voted on by Bern Convention parties at the next Standing Committee meeting in December 2024.
Currently, there are an estimated 20,000 wolves in the EU.
(jh)
Source: Eurogroup For Animals, RMF24
