EU wants to downgrade wolf protection against scientific evidence

Status change from 'strictly protected' to 'protected'

The European Commission (EC) has submitted a proposal calling for a change in the status of wolves from 'strictly protected' to 'protected' under the Berne Convention, with the final decision depending on the votes of member states.

This proposal, which appears to be driven by political calculation, disregards findings on coexistence and the preferences of EU citizens.

Fragile recovery of the wolf population

This step could seriously jeopardise efforts to restore wolf populations in the EU, as it would give member states greater leeway for hobby hunting of wolves thereby further endangering their populations, which are critically important for the protection of ecosystems.

Today there are an estimated 20’000 wolves in the EU, which stands in stark contrast to the 86 million sheep that are raised. Between 2012 and 2016, the annual number of sheep compensated due to wolf attacks corresponded to 0.05% of the overwintering sheep population. Prevention methods have proven to be effective. In Germany, where wolf numbers have increased the most, the number of livestock killed or injured fell by 15% by 2021 thanks to prevention measures.

Broad public support

This decision also contradicts the views of rural residents in the EU: In a recent survey of 10’000 Europeans across ten member states, 68% stated that wolves should be strictly protected, and 72% agreed that they have a right to coexistence. Notably, 65% of farmers support this strict wolf protection.

Contradiction of its own coexistence policy

The proposal also contradicts the European Commission's consistent advocacy for coexistence. The decision comes just days after nearly 300 non-governmental organisations called on the European Commission to base its protection decision on scientific evidence. If the proposal is adopted, the parties to the Bern Convention could vote on it at the next meeting of the Standing Committee in December 2024.

Dossier: Wolf in Switzerland: Facts, Politics and the Limits of Hunting