Swedish Government Faces Legal Challenge Over Controversial Wolf Hunting License

The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen) has launched an appeal against the government’s decision to permit a licensed hunt of the protected and critically endangered wolf population. The hunt is scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026, and may continue until February 15. Environmental groups and the European Commission have condemned the decision, particularly criticizing the Swedish government's reduction of the reference value for a favorable conservation status of wolves from 300 to 170 individuals.

Beatrice Rindevall, chairperson of Naturskyddsföreningen, described the decision as "illegal," "contrary to science," and in violation of EU law. She warned that this could inflict irreversible harm on the wolf population, which remains a strongly threatened species in Sweden. The EU Commission has called the reduction "unscientific" and warned it threatens the long-term viability of the species.

The appeal against the hunting licenses, covering all affected counties, will be reviewed by the administrative court in Luleå. This case highlights the tension between Swedish wildlife management policies and EU conservation directives, sparking a legal and environmental controversy over the protection of wolves in the country.