Die Herabstufung des Schutzstatus des Wolfs: Von den Auswirkungen und der Zulässigkeit

The analysis reveals that practical implications remain limited in many member states. The decisive factor continues to be the conservation status of the wolf population in the particular member states. Where wolves do not maintain favorable conservation status, member states remain obliged to implement protective measures, often equivalent to hunting bans.

Despite its possibly limited practical implications, the change does raise issues as to its compatibility with primary law. The downgrading occurred despite wolves demonstrably lacking favorable conservation status in several member states, raising questions about compliance with both the principle of a high level of protection and the precautionary principle enshrined in Article 191 TFEU. In addition, doubts are expressed as to the required consideration of available scientific evidence. Criticism expressed regarding the choice of legal form for implementing the downlisting in EU law can, however, be refuted from a legal perspective.