EU Approves Faster Culling of Wolves Amid Rising Conflicts

The European Union member states have approved a significant change to legislation concerning the management of wolf populations. This amendment allows for a quicker culling process of wolves, as announced by the European Council following a proposal from the EU Commission. Under the new regulations, wolves will no longer be classified as 'strictly protected,' although measures will remain in place to ensure the sustainability of the species.

The European Council stated that the primary aim of this adjustment is to provide greater flexibility in managing wolf populations across EU nations. Consequently, the criteria for culling wolves will be significantly relaxed, eliminating previous requirements such as DNA analysis to identify individual animals.

Following this approval from member states, the next step involves a vote from the European Parliament, which is expected to take place under an urgent procedure in early May. Subsequently, individual EU countries will have the authority to formally adopt the changes. Each government will decide whether to lower the protection status of wolves within their own borders. In Germany, a majority of political parties support the expedited culling of wolves.

Currently, there are approximately 1,600 wolves in Germany, marking an increase of over 260 from the previous year, according to the Bonn-based Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. Farmers across various European countries have reported a surge in livestock attacks attributed to wolves. In 2023, more than 5,000 farm animals in Germany were either injured, killed, or reported missing due to wolf attacks, with sheep being the most affected.

Wolves are recognized as a vulnerable species in Germany and enjoy a high level of protection, prohibiting their capture or killing under normal circumstances. Exceptions apply only to wolves that pose a threat to livestock or exhibit unusual behavior near human settlements.

Environmental organizations such as Nabu and WWF Germany have criticized the decision to allow quicker culling of wolves. They argue that effective herd protection measures are a more viable solution to prevent livestock losses.