Several countries are currently updating their wolf management policies. In France, the National Action Plan 2024-2029 was presented to stakeholders and a consultation closed 7 December. The plan should increase scientific exchange; better reduce damages; recognise the importance of pastoralism and improve governance. Nonetheless, the proposed changes have been criticised by stakeholders from a number of angles. From livestock breeders, there was criticism, amongst other things of insufficiently planning financing livestock protection and clarifying responsibilities for livestock guarding dogs. The six nature protection organisations included in the national wolf group (WWF, LPO, FNE, Ferus, ASPAS, Humanité & Biodiversité) walked out of the group due to the perception that the new conditions for “defensive shooting” would mean that wolf removal could occur even where damages are not significant and the focus on protection of stock would be weakened. The scientific council of the wolf plan regretted that they were not consulted on its formulation and that important details on the actions are lacking. The IUCN Committee for France stated that further evaluation of the previous plan would be desirable and that there was too much focus on wolf removal in the new plan.
In Germany, the ministry of environment, recently announced proposed changes in reaction to growing wolf numbers and increasing conflict to facilitate the shooting of wolves in certain cases. In the future, any wolf within the radius of one kilometre from the site of livestock damages up to 21 days later, can be removed. A shooting permit is still required, and it applies to "previously defined regions with increased incidences of livestock damages." Additionally, the wolf must have overcome "reasonable herd protection measures". The proposals are laid out in more detail in a background paper.
In Switzerland a temporary change in the regulations allows easier removal of individuals and packs to limit growth of the population. A consultation is planned in early 2024.
In Slovakia, following a two-year ban on hunting, a wolf hunting quota has been allocated for 2023-24.
