IFAW statement on the EU Commission proposal to change the level of protection of the wolf under the EU Habitats Directive

(Brussels –7 March 2025) – Today’s European Commission's proposal to decrease the protection of the wolf under the EU Habitats Directive lacks scientific justification and threatens to weaken wolf conservation across Europe, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

The commission's proposal follows the decision of the Bern Convention to downgrade the protection of wolves from strictly protected to protected, which came into force on 6 March.

The EU Habitats Directive has played a crucial role in the recovery of many European species, including the wolf, based on the important principle that decision on the conservation and management of wildlife should be determined by sound science.

IFAW believes there is no evidence that wolf populations have recovered enough to support the downgrading, nor to support the assumption that the move can alleviate social and economic conflicts associated with wolves. These changes could create further legal loopholes, making it easier to cull wolves instead of promoting coexistence.

"This proposal is not based on substantial science-based evidence, and it ignores the important role wolves play in healthy ecosystems," said Ilaria Di Silvestre, IFAW’s Director of Policy and Advocacy for Europe. "The EU must uphold its commitment to biodiversity and safeguard the EU nature legislation and the protection of species against pressure from special interest groups."

The focus should be on implementing existing rules effectively, improving coexistence measures, and supporting farmers with proven solutions.

"IFAW will closely monitor the next steps of the adoption of the Commission’s proposal at EU and Member State level," added Di Silvestre. "We will continue to push for decisions based on scientific facts, not fear."

IFAW urges the Member States to maintain strict protection for wolves at national level and to oppose any amendment on other parts of the Directive, ensuring that EU legislation continues to support long-term biodiversity conservation.