Faster shooting of wolves: EU Commission wants to lower protection status
Wolf packs have become a "real threat" to livestock in several regions of Europe, explained Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. With the proposal, the European Union is taking an "important step" towards giving the responsible authorities more freedom in dealing with wolves. Von der Leyen had already called on the EU countries in September to "take measures wherever necessary".
According to a proposal by Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens), in Germany it should be possible to shoot a wolf that is within a radius of one kilometer of the bite site for 21 days after a livestock bite. The prerequisite for this is still a shooting permit, as well as "previously defined regions with an increased incidence of predation" and the wolf must have overcome "reasonable herd protection measures".
Under EU law, wolves are currently protected under the Habitats Directive. This directive is based on the agreements of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of Wild Fauna and Flora in Europe and therefore cannot be amended on the sole initiative of the EU. All 51 signatories to the Convention, including Turkey and Belarus, must agree to the Commission's proposal.
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The EU Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, wants to launch an initiative to lower the protection status of wolves due to increasing conflicts with livestock in various European regions. This move is seen as a significant step by the Commission towards granting more autonomy to responsible authorities in handling wolf-related issues.
This proposed change in wolf protection status comes after Von der Leyen urged EU countries in September to take necessary measures. Under the current EU law, wolves are protected under the Habitats Directive, a regulation based on the agreements of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of Wild Fauna and Flora in Europe.
The Commission's proposal needs the consensus of all 51 signatories to the Bern Convention, including countries like Turkey and Belarus. In Germany, for instance, legislation allows for shooting a wolf within a 1-kilometer radius of a livestock bite site for 21 days, subject to specific conditions.
The EU's plan to alter wolf protection status has sparked controversy, with critics describing it as a threat to the species' survival in Europe. However, supporters argue that this change is essential for safeguarding livestock and human welfare.
The European Union's proposal to address conflicts between wolves and livestock has ignited discussions at various levels, with environmental organizations expressing concern about the potential impact on wolf populations. While some EU countries have shown support for the proposed change, others remain skeptical, indicating a divided stance among EU members.
Despite the EU Commission's call for action, it remains unclear whether the proposed change in wolf protection status will be implemented, as it depends on the approval of all signatories to the Bern Convention.
Amidst these developments, EU countries continue to grapple with the complexities of balancing wildlife conservation and human welfare, highlighting the delicate nature of such critical decisions in Europe's ongoing wildlife management policies.
Source: www.stern.de
