Federal entities on the wolf shootings: Expedited process fails to materialize
Federal states echo a call for expedited wolf population control in high-risk areas proposed by the Federal Ministry of the Environment in October 2023, suggesting it's merely the "initial stride."Initial engagements with the legal system indicate that existing laws impose stringent regulations that hinder prompt wolf culling after a destructive incident.
Consequently, the states urge the federal government to swiftly implement long-awaited legislative reforms. This entails revising the wolf's protected status at the European level, as stipulated by the Bern Convention. They insist on this as a key point for durable, legally sound conflict resolution negotiations with the EU Commission.
Currently, in Annex II of the Bern Convention for the Protection of Wild Flora and Fauna, wolves are classified as a strictly protected species, which cannot be hunted or killed under normal conditions. The states advocate for a downgrade to Annex III, which permits hunting of certain protected species. The proposal for modifying the wolf's protected status is under review in the Federal Ministry of the Environment.
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- Despite the Federal Ministry for the Environment advocating for a fast-track procedure for wolf population control in high-risk areas, the Federal states believe that the initial stride towards justice has been taken.
- The Federal Government is urged to launch legislative reforms to ease the stringent regulations hindering prompt wolf culling after a destructive incident, proposing a change in the wolf's protected status at the European level.
- Empty promises have surrounded the expedited process for wolf shootings, as the current classification of wolves as a strictly protected species in Annex II of the Bern Convention has stalled any changes.
- With the review of the proposal for modifying the wolf's protected status ongoing in the Federal Ministry of the Environment, federal states hope for a swift launch of new policies to ensure justice and resolution of their conflicts with the European Commission.
