This amendment, which the EU argues, serves to align the status of the species in the EU with that established in the Bern Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats in Europe.

The new statute, which already had the green light from the EU Council, where the member states are represented, allows the management of the wolf population, namely through hunting.

The directive will come into force 20 days after being published in the Official Journal of the European Union and the 27 EU countries will have 18 months to comply with the law.

Fifteen Member States, including Portugal, have included funds in the Common Agricultural Policy strategic plans to support preventive actions and investments that mitigate the risk of damage caused by large carnivores to livestock and for environmentally beneficial grazing practices.

The funds may also cover additional labour costs in the premium for the maintenance of protective fences or the regular maintenance costs of guard dogs and herders.

According to data from the European Commission, which presented the proposal approved today, there are more than 20,000 wolves in Europe and their populations and distribution areas are increasing.

If they authorise hunting, Member States must continue to monitor the conservation status of wolf populations and submit regular reports to the Commission (every six years).

They must also adopt the necessary measures to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for all protected species.

Currently, the community executive maintains, the species can be found in all countries of continental Europe, and some countries are home to large populations with more than 1,000 individuals.