Source: European Parliament
Following the adoption of the EU proposal[1] to reduce the protection status of the wolf under the Bern Convention[2], after its entry into force, the Commission will present a targeted legislative proposal to implement this change in EU law and to modify accordingly the regime of the wolf, and only the wolf, under the Habitats Directive[3].
Until a corresponding amendment is adopted in the Habitats Directive, the current protection status of the wolf remains applicable in the EU.
A change of the protection status of the wolf in the Habitats Directive would not remove the obligation for Member States to reach or maintain good conservation status of wolf populations in line with scientific evidence.
It will rather 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.
Member States can always implement stricter species protection rules depending on their specific situation and national nature conservation policy. This also applies to the Bern Convention where Parties can adopt more stringent provisions in their national legislation.
Following information submitted by the Spanish authorities[4], the wolf was reported in unfavourable conservation status in the Atlantic and Mediterranean biogeographical regions where the Basque Country is located.
It is for the Spanish authorities to decide on the appropriate measures to be taken to restore the wolf populations to a favourable conservation status.
- [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6202
- [2] https://www.coe.int/en/web/bern-convention
- [3] 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.
- [4] https://nature-art17.eionet.europa.eu/article17/