Europe Plans To Lower Wolf Protection Status Starting Next Year

JAKARTA - Protection status in Europe will be lowered starting next year, after the majority of continental countries receive a proposal to lower their status on Tuesday, as their growing number and impact on agriculture and livestock.

The status of the wolf, which was originally "strictly protected", has become "protected" based on the Bern Convention on Wildlife Conservation and European Nature Habitat starting March 7, 2025.

Wolves have been protected from intentional hunting or arrests, unless they pose a serious threat to livestock or health and safety.

The European Union Commission proposed the change, condemned by environmental observer groups, last year as the growing number of wolves led to conflicts with the agricultural community and local hunting, calling for action to prevent attacks on livestock.

"The news is important for rural communities and our farmers. We need a balanced approach between the preservation of wildlife and the protection of our livelihoods," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement after the vote.

Von der Leyen, whose horse himself was killed by wolves in 2022, has urged member states last year "to take action if necessary".

Animal welfare groups including the International Fund for Animal Welfare condemn the decision.

"Today's decision is a dangerous step back for biodiversity and a worrying precedent for wildlife conservation in Europe," the agency said.

Based on their new status, each "exploitation" wolf "must be set to keep its population from harming", which is effectively a much lower threshold to hunt them down.

The changes will take effect in March, unless at least a third of the 46 member states of the European Council object, Convention Bern said.