The return of wolves to Europe is a conservation success story, reflecting decades of effort to reverse their near-extinction.

In a controversial move, in December 2024 the Bern Convention’s Standing Committee has voted to lower the protection status of wolves. The reclassification shifts wolves from ‘Strictly Protected’ to ‘Protected’ status, permitting them to be hunted if deemed a threat to livestock, public health, or safety.

This change disregards the flexibility already provided by EU nature laws and undermines essential conservation protections without a solid scientific basis. In fact, scientific evidence shows that wolf populations are still vulnerable, and culling is ineffective in reducing livestock attacks. While human-wolf conflict needs management, culling can destabilise pack dynamics and exacerbate conflicts with the livestock sector.

Over 300 NGOs, scientists, and hundreds of thousands of voices agree that wolves are essential for nature’s balance - from controlling wild populations to boosting biodiversity across grasslands and forests.

Conservationists are calling for renewed commitment to science-based governance to safeguard the integrity of European environmental policies. Rather than adopting and implementing short-term measures, European countries should foster long-term measures of coexistence through traditional and modern methods of damage prevention.

Even with the latest decision from the European Commission, it’s crucial for people to continue signing the petition to raise awareness. This will help highlight the importance of safeguarding wolves and other keystone species which are fundamental to maintaining Europe's biodiversity.