Sweden stops wolf hunting after EU criticism

Sweden says it will stop its licensed hunt for wolves this year due to the threat of legal action from the European Union.

Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren says the government has decided to stop the hunt to avoid arduous legal proceedings in Brussels.

Carlgren said Wednesday the country will instead expand the possibilities for a protective hunt of wolves that cause damage, which is legal in the EU.

Last year Sweden allowed wolf hunting for the first time in 45 years, but EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik claimed it violates an EU directive.

Carlgren says the commission's interpretation of the directive is "rigid" and that Sweden would propose reforming the law so that it is more flexible to local conditions.