The European Union is planning to change rules to reduce protections for wolves as their numbers increase across Europe. Representatives from the 27 EU member countries have agreed to update the rules related to the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. This decision responds to growing worries from farmers about rising wolf attacks on their animals. A final vote on the changes is expected in the coming weeks, with a decision likely by December. Farmers in areas with many wolves claim that these animals threaten their livelihoods. The issue gained attention after a wolf killed a pony belonging to the President of the European Commission two years ago. The proposed changes would lower the wolves’ status from “strictly protected” to “protected,” allowing farmers to take more action to safeguard their livestock. The European Commission stated that this adjustment would aim to balance the needs of farming communities with the conservation of wolf populations. While farmers support the changes, conservationists warn that they could harm ongoing efforts to protect wolves.