The European Commission may weaken the protection for grey wolves in the region, ending 45 years of Annex II (strictly protected) to Annex III (protected) of the Bern Convention, according to BBC. The move could allow more wolves to become vulnerable to mass culls.

The Bern Convention, officially called the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, works to safeguard wild animals, plants, and natural habitats.

After their near extinction in the mid-20th century, conservation efforts and EU policies helped grow wolves population over 19,000 in Europe.

Currently, the estimated population of wolves in the EU is over 20,000.

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However, the recent proposal by the Bern Convention would allow EU countries to set an annual limit of wolves to kill, leading to a debate between the farmers and environmentalists.&nbsp;

The farmers argue that despite protective measures like electric fences and guard dogs, wolves attack their livestock, leading to huge losses. While they receive financial compensation, the measures are not enough for them.

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On the other hand, environmentalists reject the proposal, saying that trained sheepdogs are effective for protecting livestock. They believe wolves are a crucial part of the ecosystem and help control deer and wild boar populations. These animals can result in harm to crops and trees. Moreover, wolves can also reduce the spread of diseases by eating ailing animals.

Campaigners also refer to a 2023 EU report, which reveals that only around 50,000 of 68 million sheep and goats are killed by wolves in the EU every year, which is a small percentage of 0.065% of the total population. Additionally, there have not been any fatal wolf attacks on humans for 40 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission may weaken the protection for grey wolves in the region, ending 45 years of Annex II (strictly protected) to Annex III (protected) of the Bern Convention, according to BBC.

The European Commission may weaken the protection for grey wolves in the region, ending 45 years of Annex II (strictly protected) to Annex III (protected) of the Bern Convention, according to BBC. The move could allow more wolves to become vulnerable to mass culls. The Bern Convention, officially called the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, works to safeguard wild animals, plants, and natural habitats. After their near extinction in the mid-20th century, conservation efforts and EU policies helped grow wolves population over 19,000 in Europe. Currently, the estimated population of wolves in the EU is over 20,000. Also read | A recipe for disaster: Deep-frying a turkey costs family their $4mn mansion However, the recent proposal by the Bern Convention would allow EU countries to set an annual limit of wolves to kill, leading to a debate between the farmers and environmentalists. The farmers argue that despite protective measures like electric fences and guard dogs, wolves attack their livestock, leading to huge losses. While they receive financial compensation, the measures are not enough for them. Also read | Wuhan lab leak likely behind Covid pandemic, finds US investigation On the other hand, environmentalists reject the proposal, saying that trained sheepdogs are effective for protecting livestock. They believe wolves are a crucial part of the ecosystem and help control deer and wild boar populations. These animals can result in harm to crops and trees. Moreover, wolves can also reduce the spread of diseases by eating ailing animals. Campaigners also refer to a 2023 EU report, which reveals that only around 50,000 of 68 million sheep and goats are killed by wolves in the EU every year, which is a small percentage of 0.065% of the total population. Additionally, there have not been any fatal wolf attacks on humans for 40 years. (With inputs from agencies)

European Commission proposes weakening of safeguards for wolves, sparking controversy

German lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to consider banning a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves, shortly after France said it would outlaw the group.

MPs in the lower house accused the Grey Wolves, seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of harbouring a "nationalist and racist ideology".

The MPs backed a motion asking the government to "monitor closely the activities of the movement in Germany and to counter them resolutely by means of our rule of law".

There are around 11,000 Turkish right-wing extremists in Germany, the motion said.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-sparks-turkish-fury-with-plans-to-ban-grey-wolves-nationalist-group-340017">France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group</a>

France announced in early November that it would ban the Grey Wolves after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the group.

The incident came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

German lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to consider banning a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves, shortly after France said it would outlaw the group.

German lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to consider banning a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves, shortly after France said it would outlaw the group. MPs in the lower house accused the Grey Wolves, seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of harbouring a "nationalist and racist ideology". The MPs backed a motion asking the government to "monitor closely the activities of the movement in Germany and to counter them resolutely by means of our rule of law". There are around 11,000 Turkish right-wing extremists in Germany, the motion said. Also read| France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group France announced in early November that it would ban the Grey Wolves after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the group. The incident came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

German MPs urge review of Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves

France on Thursday condemned "declarations of violence" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and raised the possibility of new sanctions against Ankara.

Erdogan has been feuding bitterly with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam.

"There are now declarations of violence, even hatred, which are regularly posted by president Erdogan which are unacceptable," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Europe 1 radio.

Turkey vowed Wednesday to "respond in the firmest way possible" to France's ban of the Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves group linked to a top ally of Erdogan.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-disbands-turkish-ultra-nationalist-group-grey-wolves-for-inciting-hatred-340546">&nbsp;France disbands Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting 'hatred'</a>

"It is not only France that is targeted, there is a total European solidarity on the subject -- we want Turkey to renounce this logic," Le Drian said.

The European Council, he added, has already decided to take measures against the Turkish authorities, and "now it is important for the Turks to take the necessary measures to avoid this.

"There are means of pressure, there is an agenda of possible sanctions."

Turkey and France have been at loggerheads on the conflicts in Syria and Libia as well as a scramble for natural gas in the Mediterranean and more recently on Macron's vow to uphold secular values, including the right to mock Islam and other religions, as part of a battle against extremism.

Erdogan has recently called for a boycott of French products, accusing Macron of islamophobia and advising the French leader to get "mental checks".

France on Thursday condemned "declarations of violence" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and raised the possibility of new sanctions against Ankara. Erdogan has been feuding bitterly with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam.

France on Thursday condemned "declarations of violence" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and raised the possibility of new sanctions against Ankara. Erdogan has been feuding bitterly with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam. "There are now declarations of violence, even hatred, which are regularly posted by president Erdogan which are unacceptable," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Europe 1 radio. Turkey vowed Wednesday to "respond in the firmest way possible" to France's ban of the Turkish ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves group linked to a top ally of Erdogan. Also read| France disbands Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting 'hatred' "It is not only France that is targeted, there is a total European solidarity on the subject -- we want Turkey to renounce this logic," Le Drian said. The European Council, he added, has already decided to take measures against the Turkish authorities, and "now it is important for the Turks to take the necessary measures to avoid this. "There are means of pressure, there is an agenda of possible sanctions." Turkey and France have been at loggerheads on the conflicts in Syria and Libia as well as a scramble for natural gas in the Mediterranean and more recently on Macron's vow to uphold secular values, including the right to mock Islam and other religions, as part of a battle against extremism. Erdogan has recently called for a boycott of French products, accusing Macron of islamophobia and advising the French leader to get "mental checks".

France condemns Erdogan's 'declarations of violence'

France on Wednesday announced the&nbsp;disbandment of&nbsp;Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting ''hatred''.

The cabinet decision came after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced at the weekend with graffiti including the name of the&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-president-emmanuel-macron-faces-wrath-of-muslim-world-watch-this-report-339984/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a tweet announcing the group's dissolution that it "incites discrimination and hatred and is implicated in violent actions".

The&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;are seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been feuding with&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam.

"We stress the need to protect the freedom of assembly and expression of Turks in France... and will respond in the firmest way possible to this decision," the Turkish foreign minister said in a statement.

The weekend's incident and&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;ban come against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-calls-for-boycott-of-french-goods-over-macrons-stance-against-radical-islam-338069">Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam</a>

Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up.

Four people were wounded outside Lyon last week in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive.

Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide.

In Turkey, the&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which is allied with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election.

The&nbsp;Grey&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

&nbsp;

France on Wednesday announced the disbandment of Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting ''hatred''. The cabinet decision came after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced at the weekend with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves.

France on Wednesday announced the disbandment of Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting ''hatred''. The cabinet decision came after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced at the weekend with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a tweet announcing the group's dissolution that it "incites discrimination and hatred and is implicated in violent actions". The Grey Wolves are seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been feuding with French President Emmanuel Macron on a number of geopolitical flashpoints and recently also France's fight against radical Islam. "We stress the need to protect the freedom of assembly and expression of Turks in France... and will respond in the firmest way possible to this decision," the Turkish foreign minister said in a statement. The weekend's incident and Grey Wolves ban come against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Also read: Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up. Four people were wounded outside Lyon last week in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive. Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide. In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which is allied with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election. The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

France disbands Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves for inciting 'hatred'

France announced on Monday that it is mulling to ban&nbsp;a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves.

The move is set to further strain&nbsp;already tense relations with Ankara as&nbsp;the Grey Wolves is&nbsp;seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-president-emmanuel-macron-faces-wrath-of-muslim-world-watch-this-report-339984/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkish members of the&nbsp;Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) condemned it.

The dissolution was announced after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves at the weekend.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-calls-for-boycott-of-french-goods-over-macrons-stance-against-radical-islam-338069">Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam</a>

It will be put to the French cabinet on Wednesday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told a parliamentary committee.

"To put it mildly, we are talking about a particularly aggressive group," Darmanin said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-macrons-message-to-anti-france-protesters-339953/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It deserves to be dissolved," he added, saying the move meant that actions or meetings by the group can be punished by fines or imprisonment.&nbsp;

His announcement came after a memorial centre outside Lyon to the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, regarded as genocide by Armenia, was defaced with pro-Turkish slogans including "Grey Wolves" and "RTE" in reference to Erdogan.

The incident in the town of Decines-Charpieu came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up.

Four people were wounded outside Lyon last Wednesday in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive.

Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide.

'No place in our country'&nbsp;

The move by Darmanin risks further stoking tensions with Ankara.&nbsp;

In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election.

The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists.

Those affiliated to the Grey Wolves, known as Bozkurtlar in Turkish, and MHP traditionally show their loyalty with a hand gesture in which the little and index fingers are raised.

Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish nationalist who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, has also been linked to the movement.

"It is excellent news," said French MP Yael Braun-Pivet who chairs the laws committee where Darmanin made the announcement. "These violent groups have no place in our country," she wrote on Twitter.

There have been weeks of tensions between France and Turkey, which reached a peak last month after the beheading of a French schoolteacher who showed his pupils cartoons mocking Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

In the wake of the killing, President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate defence of free speech, including the right to mock religion, prompting Erdogan to question his mental health.

France responded by recalling its ambassador to Ankara for consultations.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera on Saturday, Macron accused Turkey of adopting a "bellicose" stance towards its NATO allies, saying tensions could ease if Erdogan showed respect and did not tell lies.

Following a spate of Islamist attacks in recent weeks, France has also been taking steps to ban radical Islamist groups and to cut off foreign funds to them.

In Compiegne, a town in northern France, two wild boar heads were found Monday on the building site of new offices for a French-Turkish cultural exchange association, which said it had filed charges for trespassing and "an Islamophobic act".

France announced on Monday that it is mulling to ban a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves. The move is set to further strain already tense relations with Ankara as the Grey Wolves is seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

France announced on Monday that it is mulling to ban a Turkish ultra-nationalist group known as the Grey Wolves. The move is set to further strain already tense relations with Ankara as the Grey Wolves is seen as a wing of a party allied to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) condemned it. The dissolution was announced after a memorial centre to mass killings of Armenians during World War I was defaced with graffiti including the name of the Grey Wolves at the weekend. Also read: Erdogan calls for boycott of French goods over Macron's stance against radical Islam It will be put to the French cabinet on Wednesday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told a parliamentary committee. "To put it mildly, we are talking about a particularly aggressive group," Darmanin said. "It deserves to be dissolved," he added, saying the move meant that actions or meetings by the group can be punished by fines or imprisonment. His announcement came after a memorial centre outside Lyon to the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, regarded as genocide by Armenia, was defaced with pro-Turkish slogans including "Grey Wolves" and "RTE" in reference to Erdogan. The incident in the town of Decines-Charpieu came against a background of sharp tension in France between its Armenian and Turkish communities over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey has strongly backed its ally Azerbaijan in the conflict over the region that is part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war as the Soviet Union broke up. Four people were wounded outside Lyon last Wednesday in clashes between suspected Turkish nationalists and Armenians protesting against Azerbaijan's military offensive. Armenians have long campaigned for the mass killings of their ancestors in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to be recognised as genocide. 'No place in our country' The move by Darmanin risks further stoking tensions with Ankara. In Turkey, the Grey Wolves are closely linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Devlet Bahceli which has a political alliance with Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). Analysts see the MHP as critical to Erdogan's continued domination of Turkey, with the support of Bahceli a key factor behind his victory in 2018's presidential election. The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of the MHP and caused havoc on the streets in Turkey during the 1970s and 1980s when its members frequently clashed with leftist activists. Those affiliated to the Grey Wolves, known as Bozkurtlar in Turkish, and MHP traditionally show their loyalty with a hand gesture in which the little and index fingers are raised. Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish nationalist who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, has also been linked to the movement. "It is excellent news," said French MP Yael Braun-Pivet who chairs the laws committee where Darmanin made the announcement. "These violent groups have no place in our country," she wrote on Twitter. There have been weeks of tensions between France and Turkey, which reached a peak last month after the beheading of a French schoolteacher who showed his pupils cartoons mocking Islam's Prophet Mohammed. In the wake of the killing, President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate defence of free speech, including the right to mock religion, prompting Erdogan to question his mental health. France responded by recalling its ambassador to Ankara for consultations. In an interview with Al-Jazeera on Saturday, Macron accused Turkey of adopting a "bellicose" stance towards its NATO allies, saying tensions could ease if Erdogan showed respect and did not tell lies. Following a spate of Islamist attacks in recent weeks, France has also been taking steps to ban radical Islamist groups and to cut off foreign funds to them. In Compiegne, a town in northern France, two wild boar heads were found Monday on the building site of new offices for a French-Turkish cultural exchange association, which said it had filed charges for trespassing and "an Islamophobic act".

France sparks Turkish fury with plans to ban ‘Grey Wolves’ nationalist group

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