EU Considers Easing Wolf Protections Amid Population Growth
- The EU is considering loosening protections for wolves due to their growing population, which has increased by 25% over the last decade.
- Farmers have expressed frustration over livestock attacks by wolves, prompting the EU to address these concerns.
- Environmental groups warn that facilitating culling could jeopardize future conservation efforts and coexistence.
The European Union is considering changes to its wolf protection policies as the population of wolves in member countries has increased significantly, with estimates suggesting up to 19,000 wolves currently exist. This decision follows growing tensions between farmers and environmentalists, particularly as farmers report livestock attacks by wolf packs. The issue gained attention when a wolf killed a pony owned by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the conflict between agricultural interests and wildlife conservation. On a recent Wednesday, ambassadors from the 27 EU nations reached a qualified majority to support loosening the current protections for wolves, which are classified as a 'strictly protected' species. The proposed changes would downgrade their status to 'protected,' allowing for more management measures to mitigate conflicts with farmers. A formal vote by EU ministers is expected in the coming weeks, with a ruling anticipated in December. The main EU farm lobby, Copa-Cogeca, expressed approval of the tentative vote, emphasizing the need for greater security for livestock farmers facing the challenges posed by increasing wolf populations. In contrast, environmental groups like the Eurogroup for Animals criticized the move, arguing that it undermines conservation efforts and disregards public opinion and scientific evidence. As the EU navigates this complex issue, the balance between agricultural needs and wildlife conservation remains a contentious topic, reflecting broader societal debates about rural and urban interests in Europe.