Transposition of Directive (EU) 2025/1237 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2025 as regards the protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus)

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 26 May 2026

Closing date: 23 June 2026

Title of the public consultation: Transposition of Directive (EU) 2025/1237 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2025 amending Council Directive 92/43/EEC as regards the protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus) through the amendment of the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44)

Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness (MEEC)

Entity: Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)

 

1. Background

Directive (EU) 2025/1237 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2025 amends Council Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) as regards the protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus). The Directive amends the wolf protection level, reflecting the decision of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention of the 6th December 2024. It adjusts its entry in Annex V (animal and plant species of Community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures), removing its inclusion in Annex IV (animal species of Community interest in need of strict protection).

The proposed regulations transpose Directive (EU) 2025/1237 by amending the Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection Regulations (S.L. 549.44), namely by deleting the wolf entry from Schedule V and replacing the relevant Schedule VII entry.

 

2. Consultation

In line with Article 55 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), the public is invited to make submissions to ERA with their comments as to why and how these draft regulations could be amended.

 

3. Documents

Draft Regolamenti tal-2026 li jemendaw ir-Regolamenti Dwar il-Protezzjoni tal-Flora, Fawna u Ambjenti Naturali

Draft Flora, Fauna and Natural Habitats Protection (Amendment) Regulations, 2026

 

4. Submission of feedback

Comments are being invited through the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt or otherwise by email through [email protected] by 23 June 2026.

 

5. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.