Killing of Iberian wolf cubs in Cantabria (Spain)

Question for written answer E-000312/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)

The organisation Fondo Lobo has condemned the death, as a result of adult removals authorised by the regional government, of between 11 and 16 Iberian wolf cubs in Cantabria. A number of the females killed were pregnant or had recently given birth, leading to collateral deaths and to the authorised quota of 41 specimens to be significantly exceeded.

These events have taken place at a time when the Iberian wolf population has an unfavourable conservation status in Spain and, therefore, under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), it should not be hunted. In its judgment of July 2024 (Case C-436/22), the Court of Justice of the European Union nullified legislation allowing hunting under those conditions. What is more, the Central Administrative Court for Contractual Appeals has suspended, as a precautionary measure, the appointment of TRAGSA to draw up the new wolf management plan for Cantabria.

• 1.With regard to those killings, including of cubs, does the Commission take the view that the Government of Cantabria is failing to comply with EU legislation?
• 2.Will the Commission urge the Spanish Government to put an immediate stop to wolf removals?

Submitted: 27.1.2026