The European Union has taken a significant step towards reducing the protection status of wolves, shifting from "strictly protected" to "protected.

" This decision, made on September 25, 2024, aims to address the growing wolf population, which has doubled over the past decade to approximately 20,300 across 23 countries.

The move is seen as a victory for farmers and several EU states, including France and Germany, who argue that the increasing number of wolves poses a threat to livestock.

However, environmental groups have strongly opposed the decision, labeling it as politically motivated and detrimental to wildlife conservation efforts.

They argue that existing coexistence measures, such as protective dogs and fencing, should be prioritized over culling.

The proposal will next be reviewed by the Bern Convention on wildlife conservation, potentially leading to changes in EU legislation.