The European Union is moving forward with plans to reduce protections for wolves as their population increases across the continent. On Wednesday, ambassadors from the 27 EU member nations reached an agreement to revise the regulations under the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. This decision follows growing concerns among farmers over rising wolf attacks on livestock in agricultural areas. A final vote on the matter is expected to occur in the coming weeks, with a ruling likely by December. Farmers, particularly those in regions with dense wolf populations, have expressed frustration, stating that the animals have become a threat to their livelihoods. The issue attracted heightened attention after a wolf killed a pony owned by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, two years ago.

Under the proposed changes, wolves would be downgraded from “strictly protected” to “protected” status, allowing for more effective measures to control their impact on farming communities. The European Commission noted that adjusting the legal status of wolves would strike a balance between addressing the concerns of rural communities and preserving the species. Estimates suggest that approximately 19,000 wolves currently roam the EU, with significant populations in Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, and Spain. While farmers’ groups and agricultural lobbyists have welcomed the proposal, citing its potential to provide better protection for livestock, conservationists have voiced concerns. Environmental groups argue that reducing protections could undermine conservation efforts and send the wrong message regarding wildlife preservation in Europe, which has made significant strides in recent decades.