EU proposal to adapt protection status of the wolf adopted by Bern Convention
EU proposal to adapt protection status of the wolf
Today, the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention 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 will be able to adapt the corresponding annexes of the Habitats Directive. The Commission will propose a targeted legislative amendment to this effect, which will need to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.
This change will give additional 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 still need to achieve and maintain favourable conservation status.
Investments in appropriate damage prevention measures remain essential to reduce livestock predation. The Commission will continue to help Member States and stakeholders in the design and implementation of such measures through funding and other forms of support.
Background
On the basis of an in-depth analysis on the status of the wolf in the EU, the Commission proposed in December 2023 to change the protection status of the wolf, which was then adopted by the Council in September 2024. The Commission proposal also corresponded to the position expressed by the European Parliament in November 2022.
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European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Important news for our rural communities and farmers. The Bern convention has decided to adjust the protection status of wolves. Because we need a balanced approach between the preservation of wildlife and the protection of our livelihoods.”
