EU Nature Restoration Plan Approval

STRASBOURG, France

The European Union is on the brink of approving a major plan to fight climate change and better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc after protests from farmers and opposition from the biggest party in parliament led it to be diluted.

The plan is a key part of the EU’s European Green Deal that seeks to establish the world’s most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets and make the bloc the global point of reference on all climate issues.

Delays and Compromises

The Nature Restoration plan has had a rough ride through the EU’s complicated approval process, and a watered-down version will proceed to a final vote by the EU member states, where it is expected to survive.

“Today’s vote to get the Nature Restoration Law over the finish line offers fresh hope for Europe’s ability to combat the worst effects of climate change and biodiversity loss for decades to come,” said Noor Yafai of the global environmental group The Nature Conservancy.

Under the plan, member states would have to meet restoration targets for specific habitats and species, with the aim of covering at least 20% of the region’s land and sea areas by 2030. But quarrels over exemptions and flexibility clauses allowing member states to skirt the rules plagued negotiations.

The bill was adopted earlier by a 329-275 vote with 24 abstentions after the center-right Christian Democratic European People’s Party of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen decided to vote against it.

Europe Shifts Focus from Protection to Restoration

"Today is an important day for Europe as we move from protecting and conserving nature to restoring it," stated Socialist S&D legislator César Luena, the driving force behind the new bill in parliament. He added, "The new law will also help us to fulfill many of our international environmental commitments."

Opposition Slows Progress

Despite its original progressive intentions, the plan has faced setbacks during negotiations in recent months. The EPP, along with other conservative groups and the far right, strongly opposed the plans, arguing that they could jeopardize food security, lead to inflation, and negatively impact farmers.

"It has not been shut down, so it's still flying. It is imperfect. It is incomplete. It lacks ambition. But at least we have a foundation on which to build in the next term," remarked Philippe Lambert, co-president of the Greens group.

Farmers Concerned about New Regulations

The EPP has been a staunch supporter of the farming community, which has expressed concerns about any additional regulations that could further complicate, bureaucratize, and increase costs within their profession. Farmer protests have been ongoing across the bloc in response to these fears.

"We are implementing additional bureaucratic rules for our farmers in a time where food production and food prices are having a direct impact," emphasized EPP leader Manfred Weber.

Balancing Environmental Action with Economic Competitiveness

Despite the challenges posed by droughts, floods, and heatwaves across Europe, Weber called for a temporary halt on environmental actions to safeguard economic competitiveness.