Green MEP Ignazio Marino has asked the European Commission whether it is aware of a recent spate of unlawful killings of protected species in Tuscany, Italy, and whether national enforcement of the Habitats Directive is fit for purpose. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 22 April 2026, Marino cites press reports of a headless wolf carcass left on public display in Cascina, the latest in a series of similar incidents. The question targets the Commission's monitoring and enforcement tools under Article 12 of the Habitats Directive, which strictly protects Canis lupus, and Directive 2008/99/EC on environmental crime.
Marino's question contains three concrete asks: whether the Commission knows of the incidents and similar cases elsewhere; what tools it uses to monitor compliance with Article 12 and sanction infringements; and whether it considers the national implementation and monitoring framework adequate. The MEP frames the issue as a failure of Member State enforcement, potentially requiring Commission action to ensure effective protection of strictly protected species.
Policy orientation: Marino advocates for stronger EU-level oversight of Member State compliance with nature protection laws, pushing back against perceived leniency or under-enforcement. The question signals a concern that national authorities may not be adequately deterring or prosecuting illegal killings, which could undermine the Habitats Directive's objectives.
Expected follow-up: The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it plans to escalate monitoring, launch infringement proceedings, or provide additional guidance to Member States on enforcement of species protection rules.