EU votes to lower wolf protection status amid opposition from Spain
Both Spain and Ireland are against the move that will allow the culling of wolf populations
In a move that has sparked major controversy, the EU has voted to lower the protection status of wolves from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’.
This decision, which was made by the EU's ambassadors, allows for the selective killing of wolves in certain circumstances. However, Spain has voted against the proposal, along with Ireland, citing concerns about the impact on its wolf population.
As ‘strictly protected’ animals, wolves couldn’t be killed unless they posed an immediate threat to human life. But once they’re reduced to ‘protected’, countries will be able to decide on their own culling protocols.
The decision to lower the protection status of wolves was made after a proposal from the European Commission, which argued that the wolf population in Europe has increased significantly in recent years.
This, according to the Commission, has had a terrible impact on farming and hunting in particular.
However, environmental groups and some EU member states, including Spain, have expressed concerns about the decision. They argue that wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and that reducing their protection could have negative consequences for the environment.
What does this mean for Spain?
The decision to lower the protection status of wolves does not necessarily mean that Spain will have to adopt the same measures. However, it does give the country the option to do so if it chooses.
In recent years, there have been increasing calls from farmers and hunters in Spain to reduce the protection of wolves.
In fact, the debate over wolf protection is nothing new. Back in 2021, the Spanish government passed a law that allowed for the killing of wolves in certain areas, but this faced huge backlash from animal welfare groups.
What’s next?
The decision to lower the protection status of wolves will now be sent to the EU's Environment Council for approval. If it is approved, it will be up to individual EU member states to decide whether to adopt the new measures.
In Spain, the government will have to decide whether to make changes or to maintain the current level of protection for wolves.
Environmental groups and some politicians have already expressed their opposition to the proposal, and it is likely that there will be further debate and discussion on the issue in the coming weeks and months.
Image: Freepik
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