The European Commission has rejected Sweden's proposed favourable reference population (FRP) for wolves of 170 individuals, stating that the figure lacks scientific justification and does not ensure long-term species viability. The response, published by Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu, addresses a parliamentary question from MEPs Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren, and Dick Erixon (ECR), who sought clarity on the Commission's decision and its implications for Swedish wolf management.
Commissioner Mînzatu explained that under the Habitats Directive, Member States must report every six years on protected species populations. The Commission found that Sweden's proposed 170 wolves corresponds only to the minimum viable population (MVP), whereas the FRP must be set higher to guarantee sustainable conservation. This rejection challenges Sweden's wildlife management strategy and raises questions about rural security and biodiversity conservation.
The Commission's position follows its March 2025 amendment downgrading the wolf's protection status from 'strictly protected' to 'protected,' a move intended to provide flexibility for regional management challenges. However, the Commission insists that any relaxation must not compromise long-term population viability. This stance reinforces EU-level involvement in wildlife standards while offering some leeway for national management.
The development comes amid broader EU scrutiny of large carnivore policies. On April 19, the European Commission opened an infringement case against Spain for failing to submit its six-yearly wolf conservation report, highlighting ongoing enforcement of reporting obligations. That same day, a second Czech dialogue on wolf coexistence, initiated by MEP Robert Zeman (ECR/CZ), convened stakeholders in South Bohemia to discuss EU-level debates and national approaches. Additionally, on April 18, the Romanian Senate approved draft law L43/2026 permitting the culling of 859 brown bears annually, a measure that may test compliance with the Habitats Directive's strict derogation requirements as interpreted by the Court of Justice in Cases C-674/17 and C-88/19.
The Commission's rejection of Sweden's FRP increases conservation demands, raising administrative and operational challenges for local authorities and farmers, while bolstering protections sought by environmental NGOs. The response signals forthcoming shifts in Swedish wildlife policies under EU scrutiny, aiming to uphold biodiversity commitments while grappling with local implementation complexities. The Commission has provided a framework for ongoing dialogue, affecting subsequent national management choices and harmonisation across Member States.
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