Democrats: Reasons For Lifting Protection of Grey Wolf to Be Examined by EC

Bratislava, November 29 (TASR) - The extra-parliamentary Democrats party on Thursday (November 28) filed a complaint regarding a possible violation of European Union (EU) law regarding the grey wolf hunting quota, highlighting a lack of relevant arguments for these decisions and a lack of compliance with the EU Habitats Directive. The party noted that the Agriculture Ministry has decided that the grey wolf hunting quota for the 2024/2025 season should be 74 wolves. In order to allow wolves to be hunted again, Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (an SNS nominee) wants to change the regulation. The party argues there are no compelling reasons to change it, noting that there is no data showing that there are too many wolves or that they have attacked anyone, nor have they caused any significant economic harm. However, the state is moving towards allowing hunting again, and in unprecedented numbers, remarked the party. The party stated that the Interior Ministry also complained about the lack of relevant reasons why the protection of wolves should be reduced. Democrats claimed that if year-round protection of wolves is abolished, the Environment Ministry will lose its influence over the setting of quotas by the Agriculture Ministry. The setting of the quota and the reasons for lifting year-round protection will be reviewed by the European Commission (EC). Democrats also oppose repealing the law that strictly banned importing radioactive waste from abroad to Slovakia to be incinerated, arguing it was carried out by an amendment and an unlawful addition to the Critical Infrastructure Act. Along with with public initiative 'We Want a Healthy Country', the party is urging President Peter Pellegrini to veto the proposal. lin/df/ko