EU states vote to downgrade wolf protection status, potentially easing hunting restrictions.

EU member states have voted to downgrade the protection status of wolves from "strictly protected" to "protected," potentially easing hunting restrictions. This change, supported by the European Commission, aims to address concerns from farmers about livestock losses due to increasing wolf populations. Critics, including over 300 environmental groups, argue that this decision is premature and undermines conservation efforts. A formal vote on the proposal will occur in December.