The European Union is advancing plans to relax protections for wolves across the continent, following a significant rise in their numbers.
During a meeting on Wednesday, ambassadors from the 27 EU member states reached a qualified majority in support of amending existing rules under the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.
A formal decision is expected in December, but EU ministers must first vote on the proposed changes in the coming weeks. The issue has become increasingly contentious, particularly among farmers in Greece and other nations, who have reported a surge in wolf attacks on livestock as these animals expand their territories into agricultural areas.
The debate gained further attention after a wolf killed a pony belonging to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen two years ago. In response to rising wolf populations, the European Commission welcomed the recent vote, indicating that adjusting the protection status is crucial for managing the challenges posed by these predators while ensuring their conservation.
Estimates suggest that there are now approximately 19,000 wolves in the EU, with large populations in Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Spain. Although wolves are still classified as “strictly protected” in most regions, their numbers have increased by about 25% over the last decade.
The proposed amendments would change their classification from “strictly protected” to “protected,” enabling greater flexibility in managing wolf populations and addressing farmer concerns. Recently, authorities in the Netherlands warned families to keep children away from certain forest areas after reports of a wolf displaying unusual behaviour.
The ongoing discussion surrounding wolf management has drawn criticism from populist and right-wing parties, which argue that current environmental policies do not consider the realities faced by rural communities. The European Conservatives and Reformists group hailed the vote as a victory, highlighting the need for action against the livestock damage attributed to wolves.
Meanwhile, the EU farming lobby Copa-Cogeca expressed support for the proposed changes, stating they reflect the concerns of farmers dealing with wolf-related losses. In contrast, animal rights organisations such as the Eurogroup for Animals have condemned the potential easing of protections, warning it could threaten conservation efforts and the delicate balance between human and wildlife coexistence, especially in countries like Greece where wolf populations are significant.