EU Passes Historic Nature Restoration Law After Months of Deadlock

In a close vote, the EU has passed a landmark law to protect and restore nature across its member states, the Guardian reported yesterday.

The nature restoration law sets a target to revive at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea by 2030, a move seen as crucial to tackling the global biodiversity crisis.

The vote was nearly torpedoed due to fierce opposition from some member states concerned about the law’s costs and administrative burdens. However, a last-minute change of heart by Austria’s Green climate minister proved pivotal, despite sparking a public dispute with the country’s chancellor.

Supporters hailed the law as a “historic win” for Europe’s environment, though some criticized the concessions that weakened its measures. With 81% of EU habitats in poor health, lawmakers say urgent action is needed to reverse nature’s alarming decline and meet global biodiversity commitments.