in-cyprus 18 June 2024
The European Union approved a landmark nature restoration law on Monday after months of tense negotiations.
The legislation, a key plank of the European Green Deal, sets a target of restoring at least 20% of the EU’s degraded land and sea by 2030.
The law faced opposition from some member states, particularly those with strong agricultural sectors, and was significantly weakened in the months leading up to the vote. Austria’s Green climate minister defied her own coalition government to secure passage, prompting threats of legal action.
Environmental groups hailed the vote as a victory for nature, but criticised concessions made during negotiations. Farming groups expressed concerns about potential legal challenges and additional administrative burdens.
The law requires member states to develop plans to meet the restoration targets, including measures to reverse the decline of pollinators, restore drained peatlands, and increase tree cover. However, funding mechanisms for implementing the legislation remain unclear.
This vote comes amidst a global biodiversity crisis, with the European Environment Agency reporting that 81% of European habitats are in poor condition.
The EU lobbied for ambitious global biodiversity goals at a 2022 summit in Montreal, but some member states have since backtracked on national and European commitments.
While the law’s passage marks a significant step towards environmental protection in the EU, concerns linger regarding implementation and potential economic impacts on the agricultural sector.
