The European Union is advancing plans to reduce protections for wolves as their population continues to grow across the continent. Ambassadors from the 27 EU member nations have agreed to revise the regulations under the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. The decision comes in response to rising concerns from farmers about increasing wolf attacks on livestock. A final vote is expected in the coming weeks, with a ruling anticipated by December. Farmers, particularly in areas with dense wolf populations, argue that wolves are posing a significant threat to their livelihoods. The issue gained further attention after a wolf killed a pony owned by the European Commission President two years ago.

The proposed changes would downgrade wolves from “strictly protected” to “protected” status, allowing for more measures to control their effect on farming communities. The European Commission emphasized that this shift would balance the needs of rural communities with the preservation of the species. It is estimated that around 19,000 wolves roam the EU, with major populations in countries like Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, and Spain. While farmers and agricultural groups have welcomed the changes, believing it will improve livestock protection, conservationists have expressed concerns, warning that this move could hinder ongoing conservation efforts.