European Union puts wolves and biodiversity at risk

(Brussels, 25 September 2024) – Ambassadors of the EU Member States today have taken a major step in lowering the protection status for wolves, disregarding science and allowing for more wolf culling. The decision, that followed Germany's unexpected last-minute change in position, will make it easier for governments to authorize the killing of wolves. 

For IFAW, this change is a setback for efforts to safeguard Europe’s biodiversity. Wolves play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and weakening their protection threatens not only their recovery but the balance of nature itself. 

"It’s disappointing to see politics outweigh science, especially when the science is clear: wolves belong in Europe, and they are not the cause of the problem,” said Ilaria Di Silvestre, Head of EU Policy & Campaigns at IFAW. "This decision, led by politics, leaves the wolves to pay the price for human mismanagement.” 

Despite strong public support to keep the strict protection of the species and evidence that wolf culling doesn’t help to prevent livestock losses, governments have chosen a short-term approach that could harm the recovery of wolves across the continent, instead of promoting coexistence. 

"Europe should set a good example in wildlife protection, not give in to political pressure," continued Di Silvestre. "National governments and the EU should invest in solutions that work – protecting livestock, supporting farmers, and finding ways to live alongside wolves. This decision is a major step backwards." 

Wolves are currently strictly protected under the EU Habitats Directive, which has helped their populations recover from near extinction. However, today’s decision weakens that progress. The proposal will need to be formally adopted at the next EU Council meeting on 26 September 2024, and then submitted by the EU to the Bern Convention’s Standing Committee, meeting in December. Environmental NGOs, including IFAW, are calling for the EU to reconsider its approach and focus on sustainable, long-term solutions instead of killing wolves.