Answer given by Mr Potočnik on behalf of the Commission

30.6.2010

The Commission is aware of recent developments in the wolf population in Finland and has followed the implementation of the plans presented by the Finnish authorities to tackle the problem of poaching.

The Finnish authorities have recently increased the level of the penalty fees to be paid by those who are caught illegally killing wolves to make the poaching of wolves less attractive. At the end of 2009, the Finnish authorities also reformed the scheme used to compensate for the damage caused by wolves to increase acceptance of it among local populations. The Commission considers that both of these reforms are necessary and credible in aiming at curbing the problem of poaching. Further measures are being taken and planned to improve the detection of offences against the protection of wolves.

The Commission is not satisfied with the current trend of the wolf population in Finland and will continue to closely monitor the effects of the measures already taken and planned to be taken by Finland in relation to poaching. However, taking into consideration the complex nature of this problem, the importance of local acceptance and the appropriateness of the measures presented and already enforced by Finnish authorities, the Commission considers that Finland should be given time to show that the adopted approach works. Should there be no improvement in the situation, the Commission will not hesitate to take appropriate action, including legal steps, if necessary.