Dear European Commission,  

Following the Commission’s invitation to submit data on wolves, I want to underline facts that clearly show that the growing populations of wolves in Europe and Sweden is a predominantly very positive development. As an apex predator, wolves are important for the functioning of ecosystems and worth a continued strong protection. 

Please let the strict protection of wolves remain. There are several good reasons for that, as listed below.

Wolves contribute to a well-functioning ecosystem and non-Swedish academic experts in a governmental panel found that the Swedish wolf population should reach 600 wolves to fulfil the criteria of ecological viability (see ‘Joint Statement’). Despite this, the Swedish Environment Protection Agency used this statement as the scientific foundation for a Favourable Reference Population of only 300 wolves: https://www.naturvardsverket.se/globalassets/amnen/jakt-vilt/bilder/ru-utreda-gynnsam-bevarandestatus-varg.pdf 

To conclude, I strongly urge the Commission to take action to protect Europe’s valuable wolves, and not weaken the necessary protection. 

Best regards,

Camilla Holm
Köpingebro