Source: European Parliament
The decision of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention[1] on the protection status of the wolf will come into effect on 7 March 2025 after the 3-month objection period elapses, at which point it will be possible for the EU to reflect that change at EU level.
In the EU, this change would require the wolf to be moved from Annex IV (strict protection) to Annex V (protection) of the Habitats Directive[2].
The Commission will put forward a legislative proposal amending the protection status of the wolf while ensuring that the integrity and ambition of the directive are maintained.
A change of the protection status of the wolf in the Habitats Directive[3] would not remove the obligation for Member States to reach or maintain good conservation status of wolf populations.
It will provide additional flexibility to the Member States that need it, without obliging other Member States, to change the protection status of the wolf at national level.
- [1] https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention/institutions
- [2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
- [3] i.e. moving the species to Annex V of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.