Brussels, 10/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Sweden, against which infringement proceedings have been opened over illegal wolf hunting in breach of EU law on the protection of nature (see EUROPE 10303 and 10295), is on the right track to come into line with EU rules but still needs to improve its management plan for the conservation of the wolf population, Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said on Tuesday 10 July. Following a meeting with Swedish Environment Minister Lena Ek, the commissioner said: “I'm reassured by the fact that Sweden has respected EU law regarding protective hunting during the 2012 season and I appreciate the efforts being made by the Swedish authorities. The management plan contains good elements but needs further improvement”. In particular, the plan should indicate how and when the favourable conservation status of wolves will be reached, what would constitute a sustainable population size, and what measures will be taken to improve the genetic status of the wolf population. (AN/transl.rt)