Source: European Parliament
1. Member States are bound by the obligation to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for all protected species, irrespective of their listing under Annex IV or V of the Habitats Directive[1]. Furthermore, for species listed under Annex V, if the surveillance of the species reveals it is necessary, Member States may also implement temporary or local prohibition of hunting, regulation of the periods and methods of hunting, or the establishment of a system of licences or of quotas. In addition to strengthening the financing and implementation of prevention measures to ensure coexistence, f or wide-ranging species as the wolf, it is essential for Member States also to enhance coordination on monitoring, conservation and management of cross-border wolf populations, including with non-EU countries.
2. The Commission does not intend to propose amendments to the international or EU legal protection status of species other than the wolf.
3. The in-depth analysis study of December 2023 contains the most up-to-date scientific data on the wolf[2]. This includes the data published by the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe. The Commission proposal to amend the species’ protection status under the Bern Convention[3] carefully considered all available data against the criteria contained in Recommendation No. 56 (1997)[4]. The Commission consistently promotes a science-based approach in its policy on coexistence with large carnivores.
- [1] 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.
- [2] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/env/items/813295/en
- [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-council-decision-position-be-taken-eu-bern-convention_en
- [4] Recommendation No 56 (1997) concerning guidelines to be taken into account while making proposals for amendment of Appendices I and II of the Convention and while adopting amendments, adopted by the Standing Committee on 5 December 1997: https://rm.coe.int/168074680c