Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001343/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE)
The Commission proposed in December 2023 to change the protection status of the wolf under the Bern Convention[1] and the EU Habitats Directive[2], based on an analysis[3] of its situation in the EU.
This analysis manipulates scientific results for political purposes. It cites a 2023 study[4], stating: ‘There is a positive relationship between wolf distribution and the number of killed sheep at a European scale’. However, the study concludes the opposite, with data from Germany showing ‘a relationship between the number of wolf units and damages diminished over time’, suggesting adaptation by livestock owners and authorities, e.g. increased prevention. With wolf populations establishing in more regions, the relationship between wolves and damage incidents becomes more complex. A likely interpretation is that wolf presence leads to ‘more widespread adoption of protective measures’, reducing wolf-caused damage over time, or at least modulating the relationship.
- 1.How does the Commission justify basing its proposal on an analysis that misrepresents scientific findings, as seen in this instance?
- 2.Given the study suggests wolf damages decrease over time due to better protective measures, why has the Commission selectively highlighted only a correlation between wolf presence and livestock losses?
- 3.How can the Commission credibly criticise political interference in science while engaging in the same practice, manipulating scientific conclusions for policy decisions, much like US President Donald Trump?
Submitted: 2.4.2025
- [1] Council of Europe Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), 1979.
- [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, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1992/43/2013-07-01.
- [3] European Commission: Directorate-General for Environment, N2K Group EEIG, Blanco, J. C. and Sundseth, K., The situation of the wolf (canis lupus ) in the European union – An in-depth analysis, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2779/187513.
- [4] Singer, L., Wietlisbach, X., Hickisch, R., Schoell, E.M., Leuenberger, C. et al., ‘The spatial distribution and temporal trends of livestock damages caused by wolves in Europe’, Biological Conservation, Vol. 282, June 2023, 110039, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110039.