The Council of the European Union has backed a common position on the proposed Nature Restoration Law, adding to pressure on MEPs to finalise their proposal. The legislation aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with the goal of restoring all ecosystems in need by 2050. The agreement includes specific legally binding targets and obligations for nature restoration in various ecosystems, such as agricultural land, forests, marine environments, freshwater areas, and urban ecosystems. Romina Pourmokhtari, the Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment, said: “Hopefully, the final nature restoration law will allow us to rebuild a healthy level of biodiversity, fight climate change, and meet our international commitments under the Kunming-Montreal agreement.” The Council’s draft aims to strike a balance between maintaining ambitious goals for nature restoration and providing flexibility for member states in implementing the regulation by creating a level-playing field and reducing administrative burdens. Key provisions include the requirement for member states to implement restoration measures to bring at least 30% of habitats in various ecosystems into good condition by 2030. This obligation applies to the total area of habitat types rather than individual groups. The agreement will serve as a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament to finalise the legislation.
