EU Passes Nature Restoration Law Despite Hungary’s Disapproval
The EU’s Environment Council has officially adopted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) following a decisive vote on June 17. This law represents a significant step forward in addressing the alarming decline in biodiversity across Europe.
The NRL sets ambitious targets for EU countries to restore degraded habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, and lakes. By 2030, at least 30% of these habitats must be restored to a favorable ecological status, with a goal of reaching 90% restoration by 2050.
The approval of the NRL came after intense debate and a last-minute change of position by Austrian Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler, ultimately securing the majority vote needed for the legislation to pass. The #RestoreNature coalition, comprised of organizations like WWF EU, BirdLife Europe, ClientEarth, and EEB, celebrated this victory as a win for nature and European citizens.
Despite facing opposition from several countries, including Hungary, the NRL was successfully adopted. This achievement is particularly timely with the upcoming UN Conference on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), where Europe can showcase its commitment to combatting climate change and biodiversity loss through global initiatives.
Over the years, the NRL garnered support from millions of EU citizens, scientists, businesses, and environmental organizations who recognize the importance of preserving and restoring natural habitats. The law’s adoption reflects a milestone in Europe’s environmental efforts and sets a precedent for future conservation actions.
As we look ahead to the implementation of the NRL, it is crucial for Member States to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the successful restoration of habitats and the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.
