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Nature Restoration Regulation survives European Parliament vote

Europe
13/07/2023
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The European Parliament has voted in favour of the Nature Restoration Regulation originally proposed by the Commission in June 2022. The measure proposes a restoration objective for the long-term recovery of nature with binding targets. These measures should cover at least 20% of the EU by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The Parliament will now be able to start inter-institutional negotiations with EU Member States to finalise the text of the Regulation.

Nature Restoration Law

The Commission’s proposed Nature Restoration Law aims to restore nature in the EU with binding targets, covering at least 20% of the EU by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This has proven a controversial measure, with the European Parliament voting on an amendment to the measure to reject the draft Nature Restoration Regulation outright. This measure was rejected with 324 votes against, 312 in favour and 12 abstentions.

The Commission has stated that Europe’s nature is in shocking decline, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. They state restoring land and waterways will

  1. increase biodiversity
  2. secure things nature undertakes such as cleaning water and air, pollinating crops, and protecting us from floods
  3. limit global warming to 1.5°C
  4. build up Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy, preventing natural disasters and reducing risks to food security

Restoration will contribute to achieving the EU’s climate mitigation and climate adaptation objectives.

This measure has been controversial as the conservative European People’s Party and their allies have stated this measure would destroy farmers’ livelihood, threaten food security and block new renewable energy projects. However, scientists and the Commission have rejected these arguments.

Amendments to the proposed Regulation will now be voted on by the Parliament. The Parliament can start inter-institutional negotiations with EU countries to find a compromise text and finalise the text of the proposed Regulation.

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