The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention voted to downgrade the wolf's protection status, allowing EU member states more flexibility in culling, a decision supported by Ursula von der Leyen after a personal incident. While the wolf remains a protected species, farmers argue for less stringent rules due to livestock losses, while environmental groups see this as detrimental to biodiversity. The wolf population in the EU has increased significantly since the 1970s, but the decision raises concerns about future protections for other large carnivores. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)