The European Union is considering scaling back protections for wolves as their population continues to increase, sparking tensions between farmers and environmentalists. Ambassadors of the 27 EU nations have tentatively agreed to revise the protection rules outlined in the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. The final decision is expected in December pending an official vote by EU ministers in the upcoming weeks.

Farmers in several member states have expressed frustration over wolf attacks on their livestock as the predators expand their territories into wooded areas near agricultural lands. The issue gained prominence when a wolf killed a pony owned by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2019. The Commission views adjusting the protection status of wolves as a necessary step to manage the challenges posed by their increasing numbers while still aiming to maintain a favorable conservation status for the species.

Estimates suggest that around 19,000 wolves inhabit the EU’s 27 member countries, with significant populations residing in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Spain. Despite being considered a “strictly protected” species across most of Europe, the wolf population has grown by approximately 25% over the past decade. The proposed changes would see wolves reclassified from “strictly protected” to “protected,” permitting more interventions to mitigate conflicts with farmers and local communities.

Recently, Dutch authorities cautioned against bringing young children to a forest near Utrecht after alarming encounters with a wolf displaying unusual behavior. The move to amend wolf protection regulations is part of a broader trend where EU environmental policies face scrutiny, particularly from populist and right-wing groups who criticize these measures as disconnected from rural realities. The main EU farm lobby, Copa-Cogeca, has endorsed the potential policy shift, emphasizing the importance of considering the concerns of farmers and rural residents impacted by wolf attacks.

Conversely, the Eurogroup for Animals NGO criticized the move, accusing EU nations of overlooking public opinion and scientific advice. They argue that easing protection measures and permitting culling activities sends a concerning message about the future of wildlife conservation and human-animal coexistence within the EU. The debate surrounding wolf protection reflects the broader challenges of balancing environmental conservation goals with the interests of local communities and agricultural stakeholders.