The EU Nature Restoration Law: a closer look at the compromises and challenges

Late in the evening of 9 November 2023, after extensive negotiations between the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, the three institutions finally reached an agreement on the Nature Restoration Law. However, while the agreed text was then supported by the vote of the Parliament, the Council failed to reach the qualified majority for its final adoption.  

The law is a milestone for environmental protection in the EU: it obliges member states to define and implement measures to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. However, this highly anticipated political agreement has been put at risk again by the last minute and unexpected change in Hungary’s position, supported by Sweden, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Italy—who continue to either abstain or oppose.

Challenging trilogue negotiations

The preceding trilogue negotiations were already challenging and marked by the Council and Commission striving to find common ground with the Parliament’s weaker position. Unfortunately, the draft law became a target of disinformation from conservative lawmakers, leading to many compromises and concessions to ensure support from all political groups.

Broad public support

At the same time, the call for an effective Nature Restoration Law received unprecedented support from over one million citizens, businesses, scientists, and various stakeholders. This broad support underscored the importance and urgency of the law, which is part of the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030.

All ecosystems covered

One positive outcome of the trilogue negotiations is the retention of all ecosystems initially covered by the draft law. However, this win is overshadowed by the fact that some articles have been watered down compared to the original Commission proposal and the Council’s position. The introduction of numerous exemptions and great flexibility of Member States’ obligations are a cause for concern.

Extending land restoration—with loopholes

It is undoubtedly a positive development that the scope of land restoration has been extended beyond Natura 2000 sites. However, the addition of loopholes has the potential to reduce the total area earmarked for restoration. Significant concessions were made, including the introduction of an ‘emergency brake’ which offers the possibility of interrupting the implementation of the law for up to one year. In addition, the requirement to prevent deterioration was significantly weakened to find a compromise which is now jeopardized by the change of position of several Member States.

Next steps

The law now faces the critical final step for endorsement by Member States in the Council. IFAW joins other NGOs in calling on the Belgian presidency to work urgently to ensure the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law before the summer break 2024. The failure to adopt the Nature Restoration Law would undermine the EU's commitment to environmental protection, in the critical year of the EU elections. If the law successfully navigates these hurdles, however, it will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Restoring nature for animals and people thriving together

IFAW believes that species conservation and protection and restoration of wildlife habitats and critical ecosystems are among the most effective and economical options for mitigating climate change. The effective implementation of the Nature Restoration Law will demonstrate the EU’s leadership in delivering on commitments of multilateral environmental agreements, like the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.