European Parliament Adopts Nature Restoration Law 

On 17 June 2024, European Union countries gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc, a divisive issue after months of protests by farmers who argued that EU environmental and climate laws were driving them toward bankruptcy.

The law, which aims at restoring ecosystems, species, and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg after rallying the required support from a qualified majority representing 15 of the 27 member states and 65% of the EU.

Under the new law, EU countries must restore at least 30% of habitats such as forests, rivers, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, and coral beds deemed in poor condition by 2030. This percentage is set to increase to 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. The law also introduces specific requirements for measures to reverse the decline of pollinators.

The law, which aims at restoring ecosystems, species, and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg after rallying the required support from a qualified majority representing 15 of the 27 member states and 65% of the EU population. Austria’s vote in favour of the plan helped to break the stalemate.

 Source: Associated Press