New wolf protection statute proposal approved

The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention today voted in favour of the EU proposal to adapt the protection status of the wolf from “strictly protected” to “protected”.

The change will enter into force on 7 March 2025. After this date, the EU may adapt the relevant annexes of the Habitats Directive. The Commission will propose a specific legislative amendment to this effect, to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

This change will give more flexibility to Member States in managing their local wolf populations. At the same time, as the wolf will remain a protected species, Member States’ conservation and management measures will have to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status.

Investments in appropriate damage prevention measures remain essential to reduce livestock depredation. The Commission will continue to assist Member States and stakeholders in the design and implementation of such measures through funding and other forms of support.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “This is important news for our rural communities and farmers. The Bern Convention has decided to adapt the protection status of wolves. We need a balanced approach between wildlife conservation and the protection of our livelihoods.

Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and the Competitive Circular Economy, said: “EU conservation policy and wolf efforts have been a success story over the past decades. However, the reality on the ground is changing. The steady increase in wolf populations and the risk this poses has justified adapting the legal protection status of the wolf. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention today voted in favour of the EU proposal to change the protection status of the wolf from “strictly protected” to “protected”. As a next step, we will propose to update EU rules in line with this decision”.

Following an in-depth analysis of the wolf situation in the EU, the Commission proposed in December 2023 to amend the wolf protection status, and the proposal was adopted by the Council in September 2024. The Commission’s proposal was also in line with the position expressed by the European Parliament in November 2022.

More information: European Commission.