The European Commission launched its formal process against Sweden's wolf policy back in 2011. However, not much has happened in recent years, and since the wolf's protection status in Europe changed this year from "strictly protected" to just "protected" in the EU's species and habitats directive, the old case is now closed.
It feels very good. It is a consequence of the work that we and several others have done on the Bern Convention (in the Council of Europe) and the Species and Habitats Directive. It is great that it is now completed. This is something that has been tossed back and forth for 15 years, says Minister of Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (KD) to TT and ATL in Brussels.
New criticism underway
The conclusion of the process is confirmed by Commission spokesman Maciej Berestecki. More details are promised later. A total of 84 old cases will be closed on Thursday.
At the same time, Sweden still risks continued criticism from the EU leadership. The Commission sent letters to Sweden in the autumn with criticism and questions about the decision that 170 wolves rather than 300 are enough to have a "favorable conservation status". This has in turn been followed by a series of appeals in Sweden against next year's wolf hunt.
Kullgren is nevertheless hopeful that Sweden will be able to explain its position without any problems.
"I hope and believe that they will understand how we have set it up and see the factual and research evidence that we have that forms the basis for this decision. We are very clear about how we will gradually move towards the level that the Riksdag has also decided that we should have," says Kullgren.
Answers on the way
A Swedish letter response to the EU Commission is currently being prepared.
I think there are few countries that have such a good grasp of their wolves as Sweden does, and I also think the Commission knows that, says Kullgren in Brussels.
