Near the eve of the European elections, the EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores met for the eleventh time, bringing together platform members, DG ENV, DG AGRI and LIFE project managers both online and in person in Brussels.

In the context of a new European Parliament with changing priorities, and with continued interest from all parts of the political spectrum in the protection status of the wolf, the platform, promoting dialogue between interest groups with varying viewpoints, remains more critical than ever. At ELO, we were delighted to be re-elected as chair to continue promoting informed discussion.

The European Commission has also signalled their continued support for dialogue on coexistence with large carnivores by financing a new contract aiding the platform’s work. New data on large carnivore distribute, conservation status and impact will be collected to support informed discussion. At the same time, a range of local, national and translational dialogue platforms are taking the EU Platform as a model to encourage mutual understanding between different groups. 

We hope that these types of dialogues on large carnivores, and other policy topics can help reduce divisions in society and encourage us all to keep the door open to debate and understanding one another’s situations. 

Jurgen Tack

Scientific Director of the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO)

Co-chair of the EU Platform on Coexistence between People and Large Carnivores