EU Aims for 20% Restoration by 2030: MEPs Pass Nature Restoration Law

EU Aims for 20% Restoration by 2030: MEPs Pass Nature Restoration Law

(IN BRIEF) The European Parliament has adopted its position on a nature restoration law, aiming to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. MEPs support restoration measures covering at least 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030, highlighting the importance of restoring ecosystems to reduce risks to food security. The law does not impose new protected areas or hinder renewable energy infrastructure, and targets can be postponed in exceptional socioeconomic circumstances. Negotiations with the Council will follow to finalize the legislation, which responds to citizens’ expectations for biodiversity protection and restoration.

(PRESS RELEASE) STRASBOURG, 12-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Parliament has approved a significant nature restoration law aimed at combating climate change and biodiversity loss. The law, passed with a majority vote, calls for the restoration of at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030.

MEPs emphasized the critical role of restoring ecosystems in tackling climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security. They clarified that the law does not impose new protected areas or hinder renewable energy infrastructure development, underscoring the public interest in such projects.

Aligned with international commitments, including the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework, the law will be implemented once the Commission provides necessary data on long-term food security conditions. EU countries will also quantify the restoration areas required for each habitat type. In exceptional socioeconomic circumstances, the targets can be postponed.

Negotiations with the Council will now begin to finalize the legislation. The law aims to address the degradation of over 80% of European habitats and is expected to bring significant economic benefits, with each euro invested resulting in a return of at least 8 euros.

Rapporteur César Luena emphasized the law’s importance for the European Green Deal, benefitting farmers, fishers, and future generations. The Parliament aims to reach an agreement with member states before the end of its mandate, marking a historic step towards nature restoration regulation in the EU.

The law reflects citizens’ expectations for the protection and restoration of biodiversity, landscapes, and oceans, aligning with proposals from the Conference on the Future of Europe.

After the vote, rapporteur César Luena (SD, ES), said: “The Nature Restoration Law is an essential piece of the European Green Deal and follows the scientific consensus and recommendations to restore Europe’s ecosystems. Farmers and fishers will benefit from it and it ensures a habitable earth for future generations. Our position adopted today sends a clear message. Now we must continue the good work, defend our ground during the negotiations with member states and reach an agreement before the end of this Parliament’s mandate to pass the first regulation on nature restoration in the EU’s history.”

Media contacts:

Thomas HAAHR
Press Officer
(+32) 2 28 42976 (BXL)
(+33) 3 881 72033 (STR)
(+32) 470 88 09 87
thomas.haahr@europarl.europa.eu
envi-press@europarl.europa.eu
Twitter: @EP_Environment

SOURCE: The European Parliament