300+ civil society groups urge EU to strengthen wolf protection, not weaken it

19 September 2024

The coalition is calling for a new proposal to downgrade the protection of wolves to be rejected, as well as for increased efforts to promote coexistence with large carnivores, and to safeguard decades of conservation success.

A large coalition of civil society and animal welfare organisations is calling on EU Member States to reject the European Commission’s proposal to downgrade wolf protection under the Bern Convention. Their status would be lowered from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’, if the Member States approve the change.

It’s speculated that the change is politically motivated, whilst any change to conservation status of wolves should be justified by rigorous scientific data.

Peaceful coexistence with large carnivores is possible. Raising awareness amongst citizens is key, by providing science-based education on the ecological and socio-economic benefits of wolves. We can also strengthen preventive measures such as the use of fences and sheepdogs and make them more accessible to farmers.

Proper protection of wolves should also be enforced, ensuring that illegal wolf hunting is eradicated and the EU’s Habitats Directive is upheld. This would support efforts made for the recovery of wolf populations in the EU, allowing them their natural place in European ecosystems. 

The EU’s inhabitants of rural areas have also highlighted their broad support to protecting wolves and large carnivores: in a recent survey among 10,000 Europeans in 10 Member States, 68% stated that wolves should be strictly protected and 72% agreed that they have a right to co-exist.

According to media reports, there has been a lot of political pressure on Member States to accept the European Commission’s unscientific and politically motivated proposal. Wolves must remain strictly protected – not just for the sake of the species and science, but for the health of our ecosystems and the credibility of the European Union. If the EU wants to be a trusted ally of nature and a global leader, we must set the right example now.

European Environmental Bureau

Regards Mark