EU: Proposal to downgrade wolf protection

On 7 March 2025, the EU Commission proposed a specific update to the annexes of the Habitats Directive to reflect the revised protection status of the wolf. With this change, the directive will align with the Bern Convention, which now classifies the wolf as “protected” rather than “strictly protected.” The Commission argued that the proposed amendment will grant Member States greater flexibility in managing their local wolf populations, allowing them to implement measures tailored to regional conditions. However, as the wolf remains a protected species, conservation and management efforts must still ensure its favorable conservation status. Additionally, Member States will retain the option to enforce stricter protections if deemed necessary under national law. The proposal to amend Annexes IV and V of the Habitats Directive will now be subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council. However, NGO’s warn that the EU’s proposal to reduce the wolf’s protection status could pave the way for broader challenges to EU nature laws.