Bern Convention Supports EU’s Move to Strengthen Wolf Protections

Brussels (Eurotoday) – EU proposal to change the protection status of the wolf assumed by the Bern Convention, paving the way to better flexibility in managing wolf populations.

Based on an in-depth examination of the status of the wolf in the EU, the European Commission proposed in December 2023 to modify the protection status of the wolf, which was then approved by the EU Council in September 2024. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on 3 Dec 2024 voted in favour of the EU proposal to adapt the protection status of the wolf from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’. The enactment will enter into force on 7 March 2025. 

What role does the Bern convention play in wolf protection?

After this date, the EU will be capable of adapting the corresponding annexes of the Habitats Directive. The EU Commission will present a targeted legislative amendment to this effect, which will require to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

According to the EU Commission, this change will give more flexibility to Member States in organising their local wolf populations. At the same time, as the wolf will remain a protected species, Member States’ conservation and management efforts will still need to perform and maintain favourable conservation status.

Moreover, Investments in unacceptable damage prevention measures remain important to reduce livestock predation. The Commission stated that it will continue to assist Member States and stakeholders in the design and undertaking of such measures through funding and other forms of support.