No longer a local issue
The president of the European People's Party and the likely future president of the European Parliament, Manfred Weber, today acknowledged the gravity and timeliness of the problem of large carnivores in the Alpine regionsThe meeting took place in Brussels with the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Maurizio Fugatti, the President of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Arno Kompatscher, and the Landeshauptmann of Tyrol, Anton Mattle.
"We are pleased that Manfred Weber recognized the seriousness of the problem we face every day in our regions," Fugatti stated at the end of the meeting. "We clearly explained that for Trentino, as for Alto Adige and Tyrol, the management of wolves and bears is no longer just a local issue, but a security issue that must also be addressed at the European level. We have brought here, without hesitation, the real difficulties facing our communities and the need for more effective tools to mitigate risks to public safety. The recognition of these critical issues in Brussels is an important step towards providing concrete solutions to our citizens."
The protected status of the wolf
Weber highlighted the European Union's recent commitment to reviewing the wolf's protection status, emphasizing how the presence of large predators can pose a real threat to many mountain communities. This position is considered significant by the three territories, which have long called for greater management flexibility to protect safety, agricultural activities, and daily life in Alpine areas.
The situation in Trentino
During the meeting, Fugatti, Kompatscher, and Mattle presented a common approach, highlighting how the increasing numbers of bears and wolves require solutions that extend beyond national borders. Particular attention was paid to the situation in Trentino, where the presence of the brown bear continues to raise significant concerns. Mattle reiterated that Tyrol also faces similar risk situations, while Kompatscher emphasized the importance of more appropriate European instruments to reconcile environmental protection and public safety (source: Province of Trento).
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