European Parliament changes protection status of wolves
The European Parliament has changed the EU's wolf protection status from 'strictly protected' to 'protected', to align it with the Bern Convention.
With 371 votes for, 162 against and 37 abstentions, the parliament supported the European Commission's proposal for a targeted change of the Habitats Directive.
The commission's proposal to alter the protection status of wolves in the EU came following a push from parliament for it.
Member states will now have greater flexibility in managing their wolf populations to improve coexistence with humans and to minimise the impact of a growing wolf population in the EU.
They will also be better able to take measures that are adapted to particular regional circumstances, according to the parliament.
Among those in the parliament who voted for the change in status are MEPs who are members of the European People's Party grouping, which includes Irish Fine Gael MEPs.
EPP group spokesman in the parliament's Agriculture Committee, Herbert Dorfmann MEP said: 'Farmers can now breathe a sigh of relief. We have listened to their concerns and delivered real change at the European level to address today's reality and protect rural livelihoods.
'The Habitats Directive has been a clear success, helping the wolf population recover from near extinction to over 20,000 individuals across the continent.
'But now it's time to adapt to today's reality. This means balancing our conservation efforts with protecting farmers,' Dorfmann added.
Protection status of wolves
Member states must continue to ensure the wolf's favourable conservation status and may continue to list the wolf as a strictly protected species in national legislation, and to have stricter measures in place for its protection.
The European Parliament agreed on Tuesday (May 6) to deal with the file under its urgent procedure, effectively 'fast-tracking' it.
To enter into force, the draft law now requires formal approval by the European Council, which endorsed the same text on April 16, 2025.
The directive will enter into force 20 days after it has been published in the EU Official Journal. Member states will then have 18 months to comply.
According to the commission, there are over 20,000 wolves in Europe, and their populations and ranges are growing.
This conservation success story has however led to increasing conflicts with human activities in some regions, in particular concerning livestock, it added.
Previously, president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has said that the comeback of wolves is good news for biodiversity in Europe, but the concentration of wolf packs in some regions has become 'a real danger especially for livestock'.
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