Romania and Slovakia demand flexibility in the protection of the brown bear

Romania and Slovakia have sent a joint position to the European Commission, requesting the initiation of an assessment of the increased flexibility in the protection regime for brown bear populations that have reached a favorable conservation status.

This request will be discussed at the next AGRIFISH meeting. The Minister of Agriculture, Barna Tanczos, emphasized that biodiversity conservation must be balanced with the protection of local communities, which bear costs and risks due to the increasing bear population.

Romania and Slovakia, which hold over half of the European Union's brown bear population, are requesting clarification on the application of the Habitats Directive and the recognition of scientific management of population density. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to support measures that maintain the balance between biodiversity conservation and the safety of citizens.