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, says Minister of Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (KD) in Brussels.
The conclusion of the process is confirmed by Commission spokesman Maciej Berestecki. More details are promised later. According to Kullgren, the EU Commission's announcement is a result, among other things, of the government's pressure to change the Species and Habitats Directive.
"It's good that it's settled now," says the minister.
“Is boring”
Rebecka Le Moine, an environmentalist MP, disagrees.
It's sad and I regret that Sweden actually got away with conducting licensed hunting during all the years the wolf was strictly protected throughout the EU. But I'm not surprised, she says.
The EU may still put a damper on the government's ambition to increase licensed wolf hunting to reduce the wolf population to around 170 individuals.
The old reference value was 300, but it was lowered to 170 this summer. This was criticized by the European Commission for being a political decision, which contradicts the EU's requirement that nature conservation be scientifically substantiated.
It is highly uncertain how the hunt that begins on January 2nd is in line with the species and habitats directive, says Le Moine.
Have control
According to her, 170 individuals are “definitely” not enough to achieve a favorable conservation status for the wolf and perhaps even 300, as was the case before, is not enough.
Kullgren is hopeful that the Swedish government's position will be understood by the Commission. A Swedish letter of response is now 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.
Based on the new reference value, the county administrative boards have decided on licensed hunting, which will start on January 2, for 48 wolves, compared to 30 last winter. The plan is that the wolf population will initially be reduced to 270 individuals.
Among others, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation has appealed the county administrative boards' decision and wants the court to stop the license hunt until further notice.
