On 16 April, representatives of the EU member states (the Permanent Representatives Committee) approved the Council of Europe's mandate to review the wolf's protection status in the EU in order to align it with the updated Bern Convention. The proposal involves a targeted amendment to the Habitats Directive, changing the wolf's status from "strictly protected" to "protected". The aim of the amendment is to give member states greater freedom of action (flexibility) in managing wolf populations, to support coexistence and to address socio-economic issues.
The Council's position corresponds to the European Commission's original proposal. The European Parliament is expected to state its position in May this year. If the directive is agreed, it will be formally adopted; member states will have 18 months to implement the revised protection status of the species in their national legislation. Stricter measures will nevertheless remain possible, and member states may decide on these themselves.
Over the past ten years the number of wolves has almost doubled — from 11,193 animals in 2012 to 20,300 animals in 2023 — which has led to an increase in the number of various conflict situations, making the possibility of controlling the wolf population under Annex IV even more complicated.
FACE President Laurens Hoedemaker (Laurens Hoedemaker) welcomes the decision of 16 April: "This solution will provide a more flexible and pragmatic approach to wolf management in Europe, allowing member states to tackle local problems better. Importantly, including the wolf in Annex V will reduce the administrative burden and legal conflicts in some member states."