Animals - EU Commission wants to lower protection status for wolves
The European Commission wants to relax the strict protection rules for wolves. It is proposing to lower the status of the wolf from "strictly protected" to "protected", the Brussels authority announced.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the return of the wolf was good news for biodiversity in Europe. However, the density of wolf packs in some European regions has now become a real threat, especially for livestock farming.
"Local authorities are calling for greater flexibility to actively manage critical wolf populations," she said. "This should be facilitated at European level and the process launched by the Commission today is an important step towards this." Von der Leyen had previously called on local authorities to make bold use of the current scope for shooting problematic wolves.
In September, the EU Commission announced that it would decide on the basis of new data whether, in its view, the protection status of wolves should be changed. It is now up to the member states to decide on the proposal.
If it is adopted, it would then have to be submitted to the other parties to the so-called Bern Convention for approval. This is intended to ensure the conservation of European wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats throughout Europe and beyond.
Communication from the Commission
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- The proposal to change the wolf's protection status has sparked controversy within the European Union, with various wildlife conservation organizations strongly opposing the EU Commission's decision.
- The European Commission, under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen, argues that the current protection rules are hindering the growth of the European agriculture sector, particularly in regions with high concentrations of wolf populations.
- In response to the EU Commission's plan, several European countries, including France and Romania, have voiced their concerns about the potential impact on the environment and the welfare of wolves.
- Critics argue that the relaxation of protection rules could lead to a decline in the number of wolves across Europe, threatening the already fragile population of these animals in the continent.
- As part of the EU's commitment to scientific research and evidence-based decision making, the European Commission is considering the views of animal scientists and experts in the field of environmental conservation before making a final decision.
- Meanwhile, the agrarian sector in Europe is closely watching the developments, hoping that a balance can be found between protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in the region.
Source: www.stern.de
