European nations have agreed to reduce the protective status of wolves, allowing for regulated hunting from March 2025. This decision aims to help farmers facing livestock threats due to rising wolf populations, which have increased by 25% in the past decade. While supported by agricultural groups, the move has faced significant backlash from environmentalists, who argue it endangers the recovery of wolf populations across Europe. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for balance between wildlife preservation and agricultural safety.