MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Increase in wolf attacks and the need to protect livestock farms and the public – E-001561/2024(ASW)

1. Several measures are supported by the EU to improve coexistence with large carnivores, including through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) funded by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as well as by the LIFE programme[1].

Within the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP), support schemes are designed by the Member States and approved by the Commission. These may include activities or investments such as the installation of various types of fences or acquisition of livestock guarding dogs and also including shepherding costs under some interventions. In the Italian CSP, four regions have included some of these elements (Calabria, Liguria, Piedmont and Tuscany).

2. In December 2023, the Commission published a comprehensive study on the wolf in the EU[2], that also addressed the specific issues mentioned by the Honourable Member[3]. Under the current EU legislation in force[4], national authorities have already the necessary tools to take appropriate preventive and reactive measures to address conflicts, problems, and any public safety situation related to protected wildlife species. Furthermore, on 20 December 2023, the Commission proposed a Council decision to change the wolf’s protection status under the Bern Convention[5], to which the EU and its Member States are parties. Following its adoption by the Council, the Commission has submitted the proposal to the secretary of the Bern Convention. The proposal is meant to create additional flexibility for the Parties to the Bern Convention to decide on the most appropriate management measures.

3. Damage compensation payments of up to 100% of direct and indirect costs of damages caused by protected species can be granted by the Member State within the framework of the EU State Aid rules.

• [1] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/programme-environment-and-climate-action-life_en
• [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/5d017e4e-9efc-11ee-b164-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
• [3] See paragraphs 3.5 and 4.7 of the study for the aspects related to public safety and to the management of so called ‘bold wolves’.
• [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
• [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6752