A majority of EU ambassadors backed a European Commission proposal on Wednesday (25 September) to lower the protection status of wolves in Europe. This marks a crucial first step towards amending the current rules under the Bern Convention.

In December, the Commission proposed downgrading wolves’ status from “strictly protected” to “protected,” allowing governments and regions more flexibility to permit wolf hunting.

According to EU diplomatic sources, only two member states, Spain and Ireland, voted against the proposal.

Luxembourg shifted its stance on Monday (23 September), moving from opposition to support, with Portugal following suit. Germany, another key player, also voted in favour. However, diplomatic sources told Euractiv that Berlin is seeking a change in status only for wolves, not for other carnivore species.

A final vote will take place tomorrow (26 September) at the Competitiveness Council (COMPET), where ministers are expected to ratify the ambassadors’ decision. Brussels must notify the Bern Convention Secretariat by next Tuesday (1 October) if it intends to propose the rule change, as the committee responsible meets only once a year.