Romania and Slovakia have jointly appealed to the European Commission for a more flexible approach to brown bear management. The two countries argue that bear populations have reached and are maintaining a favorable conservation status, justifying a review of current strict protections. Their joint position requests the initiation of an evaluation process to allow for increased management flexibility. This move, announced by Romania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, seeks a system similar to that already adopted for wolf populations. The request aims to address potential conflicts arising from growing bear numbers and allow for more localized management strategies. Both nations believe a revised approach is necessary given the current healthy state of their bear populations. The Commission will now consider the joint proposal.