Hunting wolves is about to become more common in Europe heres why
IndependentMAY 19
EU Parliament Votes to Ease Wolf Hunting Restrictions
Above: A wolf in GaiaZOO in Kerkrade, Netherlands. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Spin
Right narrative
The protection downgrade is necessary to balance conservation and rural livelihoods. Growing wolf populations have become an unsustainable threat to livestock farmers, causing significant economic damage and creating fear in rural communities. Local authorities need more flexibility to manage wolf populations effectively while maintaining biodiversity.
Left narrative
This decision undermines decades of successful conservation efforts and lacks scientific justification. Wolves remain in an unfavorable conservation status in most EU biogeographical regions, and their presence is crucial for maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. The rushed decision appears politically motivated rather than based on ecological evidence.