Bears in Europe are protected by the Bern convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979).
The brown bear is listed under Annex II as a ‘Specially protected fauna species’. The bear is strictly protected, and signatories to the convention must restrict exploitation of the species.
The EU 1992 Habitats Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora implements the Bern convention in the EU.
The bear is listed under Annex II as a species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation, and Annex IV, which says it is in need of strict protection.
In each country where bears exist, their numbers must be maintained or restored to a favourable conservation status.
People cannot deliberately capture, kill or disturb these species or their refuge areas or habitat.
But
Exceptions do exist under Article 16 of the directive.
Where bears maintain their favorable conservation status in natural range, member states can kill the animals

This is ‘The Killing Loophole’ that allows EU countries to shoot the bear and the wolf.

Six countries allow hunting in Europe using different methods of regulation: Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Slovenia, Croatia and Russia, as well as Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.