The return of the wolf to regions of the EU where it has been absent for a long time is increasingly leading to conflicts with local farming and hunting communities, especially where measures to prevent livestock attacks are not widely implemented.

President von der Leyen said: “The concentration of wolf packs in some European regions has become a real danger to livestock and potentially to humans. I call on local and national authorities to take action where necessary. Indeed, current EU law already allows them to do so.”

The Commission is today launching a new phase of its work to address the challenges associated with the return of wolves.

The Commission is today calling on local communities, scientists and all stakeholders to submit updated data by 22 September 2023 on wolf populations and their impacts. They are invited to use the following email address (active as of this afternoon): [email protected]

Based on the data collected, the Commission will decide on a proposal to amend, where appropriate, the wolf’s protection status within the EU and to update the legal framework, introducing, where necessary, further flexibility in the light of development of this kind.

This will complement the current possibilities provided by EU law for local and national authorities to take action where necessary and the significant EU funding for these measures, as detailed in a joint letter sent by Commissioner Mr. Sinkevičius and Commissioner Mr Wojciechowski to all EU Agriculture and Environment Ministers in November 2021. Some measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or significantly reducing predation risks when implemented correctly and tailored to the specific context in which they are implemented.

The Commission’s review of the scientific data on wolves in the EU is an integral part of the Commission’s in-depth analysis in response to the European Parliament’s resolution of 24 November 2022. In April 2023, the Commission started to collect data from expert groups and key stakeholders, as well as data submitted by national authorities under applicable EU and international legislation. However, this data still does not provide a complete picture to allow the Commission to plan further actions and the Commission is today expanding this consultation.

Record

The Commission is aware that the return of the wolf to regions of the EU where it has been absent for a long time may lead to conflicts with local farming and hunting communities, especially when measures to prevent attacks on livestock are not widely implemented.

As a native species, the wolf is an integral part of Europe’s natural heritage and plays an important role in its ecosystems. Under the Habitats Directive, most wolf populations in Europe enjoy strict protection, with the possibility of derogation. This scheme implements the requirements of the Berne International Convention for the Conservation of Europe’s Wildlife and Natural Environment, to which the EU and its Member States are parties.

Union and regional platforms for coexistence enable stakeholders to promote ways of minimizing conflicts between human interests and the presence of large carnivore species, through knowledge sharing and cooperation in an open, constructive and mutually respectful manner. In addition, under the Habitats Directive, Member States may, under certain conditions, derogate from the prohibitions of the strict protection regime, inter alia to protect socio-economic interests.

Korina Georgiou