FACE, the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, which represents 7 million European hunters, welcomes the European Commission's (EC) proposal to change the conservation status of wolves from 'strictly protected' to 'protected'. The change in status has been adopted based on the latest scientific data on population increases.

Changing the status of wolves from 'strictly protected' to 'protected' does not alter the legally binding requirement to maintain wolf populations in Europe. The advantage of this decision is that it will allow for adaptive management, which is more appropriate for a species that is no longer endangered and whose population is constantly increasing. To overcome the current high level of conflict, we should return to a situation where regulated management and the maintenance of a favourable conservation status exist simultaneously.

Regardless of the status of the European wolf population, which in many parts of Europe is clearly reaching its so-called social capacity, the main problem remains both practical and legal. The current listing in Appendix II of the Bern Convention (strict protection) prevents countries from adjusting the wolf's protection status, which is why the EC has submitted its proposal. Specifically, the inclusion of strictly protected species (Annex IV) in the European Union's Habitats Directive creates an almost impossible situation. The EC's guidance is unclear and many countries are very cautious regarding legal aspects, creating an administrative and bureaucratic burden. All of this causes dissatisfaction among the residents of Europe's rural regions.

In-depth analysis shows that the wolf population has increased significantly in recent decades, and they are occupying ever-larger territories. There are more than 20,000 wolves across 23 member states, and their population is increasing and their habitats are expanding.

This development is also reflected in the 2022 assessment by the IUCN Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe, which states that the prospects for the wolf as a species are positive, predicting further expansion in virtually all nine wolf subpopulations in Europe. The expansion of this predator has caused and will continue to cause major problems, thereby placing increased pressure on specific territories and regions in Europe where people are engaged in livestock farming. A serious threat, as the number of wolves increases, is also posed to pets.

Speaking about the next steps, FACE President Torbjörn Larsson (Torbjörn Larsson) stated: “We welcome this news, while also expecting environment ministers to support the European Commission's science-based proposal. However, to ensure successful coexistence, we also need a legislative package for large carnivores that must also include bears and lynx, focusing on the conservation status of these animals. The EC's guidance and information system regarding conservation status should also be reviewed.”