Over 300 NGOs urge European Commission to maintain wolf protection amid ongoing debate

(Brussels, 19 September 2024) A coalition of over 300 environmental and animal protection organisations is urging the European Commission to uphold the current level of protection for wolves in the EU. The move, that IFAW supports, follows the ongoing discussion of EU Member States on a European Commission's proposal to "modify the status of protection of the wolf within the EU and to update the legal framework, to introduce, where necessary, further flexibility" by the end of the year.

"Wolves are vital to Europe's ecosystems. Any decision about their protection must be driven by science, not fear or political pressure," said Ilaria Di Silvestre, IFAW's Head of EU Policy & Campaigns. "It is worrying to see discussions dominated by interests that do not represent the full picture, particularly as rural communities actually support the conservation of wolves."

An independent survey conducted in November 2023 across ten EU Member States revealed a strong backing for wolf protection from rural areas, contradicting claims by some farming and hunting groups.

Di Silvestre added, "Europe needs to focus on coexistence, not conflict. We can protect both wolves and rural livelihoods if we take the right measures. Wolves must not become the scapegoat for broader issues in rural communities."

The organisations call on the EU to enforce existing protective measures, promote coexistence initiatives, and provide accurate, science-based information about wolves.

ENDS

Click here to read the open letter.

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Jürgen Noack
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