Brussels – The wolf is the only species that poses a danger to humans and their activities. Risks of a different nature do not exist and, therefore, “The Commission does not intend to propose amendments to the international or EU legal protection status of species other than the wolf.” This statement was made clear by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall in her response to MEPs concerned about what the EU executive might do in the wake of the decision to reopen the hunting season against wolves for personal and personalistic reasons.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has turned the personal incident of the killing of her pony by a wolf into a European political issue, succeeding in revising the conservation status of the species and deeming it no longer endangered. The story continues to unfold, with an uprising that sees the entire political spectrum holding the new von der Leyen team accountable.
Signatories from the People’s (EPP), Socialist (S&D), Liberal (Renew), The Left, Greens, and even Non-members ask for in writing about intentions on wildlife management. They want clear commitments against changes in protection statuses, “particularly of predators such as seals and bears.” Here, Roswall responds with a ‘no,’ the validity of which will be tested by the facts.
“The Commission consistently promotes a science-based approach in its policy on coexistence with large carnivores,” Roswall said. Therefore, she does not rule out that the focus on predators other than wolves could change, but not for now.
