On 17 June the European Council narrowly voted to adopt the Regulation on nature restoration.
After a month of deadlock between member states and protests from farmers across the EU, the landmark law has passed. Seen as one of the most controversial pillars of the European Green Deal, the Nature Restoration Law sets an ambitious target to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
It sets specific, legally binding targets and obligations for nature restoration in:
ecosystems. As well as specific measures to protect:
Back in 2022 the European Commission proposed the Nature Restoration Regulation as part of the EU's biodiversity strategy for 2030, under the European Green Deal.
More than 80% of European habitats are classified as being in 'poor shape' and previous efforts to preserve and protect nature haven't been able to resolve this. It is hoped that this new Regulation will help to restore vital forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, and marine ecosystems, and the species they host.
The Regulation on nature restoration will be published in the coming days in the EU's Official Journal, enter into force and be directly applicable to all member states.
Member states will be required to submit National Restoration Plans to the Commission within two years of the Regulation coming into force (mid 2026), showing how they will deliver on the targets. The Regulation will also require member states to monitor and report on their progress.
Minister for Climate Transition, Environment, Energy and Participatory Democracy of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, Alain Maron, commented:
"The EU has seized a unique opportunity to reverse biodiversity loss and to open this rapidly closing window, securing a liveable future for the generations to come.
"Today we also agreed on three key EU directives for circular economy and soil health in the EU: we showed our commitment to a green transition, by protecting our consumers from greenwashing, targeting food and textile waste and protecting our soils from degradation."
