Eu Shifts Wolf Protection Status, Grants Member States Increased Management Flexibility

By Abdullahi Lukman

The European Commission has amended the Habitats Directive, downgrading the wolf’s protection status from “strictly protected” to “protected” under the Bern Convention, effective today.

This change allows member states greater flexibility in managing wolf populations, addressing concerns about livestock predation while maintaining conservation goals.

The decision follows a comprehensive analysis of the wolf’s current status within the EU, initially proposed by the Commission in December 2023 and adopted by the Council in September 2024.

The amendment to the Bern Convention’s appendices took effect on March 7, 2025.

“In some European regions, wolf packs have become a real danger especially for livestock,” stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“Today, we are proposing a change of EU law that will help local authorities to actively manage wolf populations while protecting both biodiversity and our rural livelihoods.”

Member states are now empowered to implement tailored management strategies, ensuring a favorable conservation status for the species.

The Commission emphasizes the importance of robust damage prevention measures to mitigate livestock predation, offering funding and resources to support these efforts.

The proposal, which amends annexes IV and V of the Habitats Directive, now awaits approval from the European Parliament and the Council.