Invitation to local and scientific communities
Described by some as a new “wolf hunt”, the European Commission (EC) is now inviting local communities, scientists and all interested parties to submit updated data on wolf populations and their impact, complementing a request already addressed to Member States in April 2023. Based on these updates on technical and scientific progress – FACE says – the EC will consider, if appropriate, a proposal to modify the protection status, update the legal framework and introduce further flexibility in line with the Habitats Directive. Full implementation of Article 19 is a demand that FACE and other rural groups have been making for some time – see the joint statement from March last year. Another key call made in FACE's recent #SignForHunting campaign is for “accurate assessments of large carnivore populations based on appropriate criteria”.
So, what will the European Commission do with all this new scientific data collected by local communities, scientists and elsewhere?
For FACE, the EC could follow two different paths:
– Recognize scientifically established positive trends and proceed with an attachment change process.
OR
– Continue as usual. Continue to assess the conservation status of the wolf using inadequate biogeographical units (link), which give the impression of a worsening status rather than a continuously growing and expanding population. So far, this approach has led to increased protection and conflict at the national level.
FACE's point of view
Apart from the health of the European wolf population, which is clearly reaching the containment threshold in many parts of Europe, the main problem remains of a practical and legal nature. Annex IV (strict protection) is creating an almost impossible situation: The EC guidelines are not clear, the national courts are very precautionary and the EC remains active in prosecuting violations of the law (e.g. link), and all this is frustrating for rural communities. According to FACE President, Torbjörn Larsson “From our point of view, it is difficult to match the statement of Commission President Von der Leyen calling on local and national authorities to act where necessary, with the Commission itself, which is so willing to undertake or threaten legal action when such actions are taken nationwide. To move forward, it is necessary to clearly recognize that the status of the wolf is not problematic and Article 19 of the Habitats Directive must be applied."