Romania and Slovakia have submitted a common position requesting the European Commission to initiate a process for evaluating increased flexibility in the strict protection regime applicable to brown bear populations that have reached and maintain a favorable conservation status over the long term, according to the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture .  Effectively, the two countries asked the EC to greenlight the hunting of bears. In their argumentation, Romania and Slovakia pointed out that, although together they hold more than half of the European Union’s brown bear population, they disproportionately bear the costs, risks, and responsibilities associated with the conservation of this species. “The data presented by the two states highlight the constant growth of bear populations, as well as the significant impact on public safety, agricultural activities, and local communities,” said the institution in a press release.