EU member states agree to relax protection status of wolves
European Union member states have given the go-ahead for a relaxation of the protection status of wolves. The move would give authorities in each country more flexibility to manage growing wolf populations.
A qualified majority of the 27 member states agreed on Wednesday to change the status from “strictly protected” to simply “protected”. Killing or capturing wolves is currently only allowed in exceptional circumstances.
Over the past two decades, wolves have become increasingly numerous in Europe and their habitats are spread over a growing area. More than 20,000 wolves currently live across Europe. Since 2011, wolves have also been seen again in Belgium.
Near extinction
Animal rights organisations have criticised the decision.
“Today’s decision not only undermines decades of conservation efforts but also represents a significant setback for what has been hailed as one of the European Union’s most notable wildlife conservation successes: the comeback of the wolf from near extinction,” the European Environmental Bureau said in a press release.
The Commission tabled the proposal last year at the request of local authorities, who say wolves are posing an increasing threat to livestock.
"The concentration of wolf packs in some European regions has become a real danger especially for livestock"
At the time the proposal was put forward, Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “The comeback of wolves is good news for biodiversity in Europe. But the concentration of wolf packs in some European regions has become a real danger especially for livestock … I am deeply convinced that we can and will find targeted solutions to protect both biodiversity and our rural livelihoods.”
The EU must now submit the proposal to the Bern Convention’s Standing Committee on the Conservation of Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The committee is due to meet in early December, according to a European Commission spokesperson. Once that international convention is amended, the EU can amend its habitat directive.
© BELGA MEDIA SUPPORT PHOTO
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