On June 17, a historic nature restoration bill was agreed upon by EU member states, marking the first major environmental policy to be passed since the recent elections to the European Parliament. To comply with the law, member states must restore 20% of their land and sea by 2030. At a summit in Luxembourg, EU environment ministers gave their stamp of approval to the strategy, clearing the road for its implementation.
Environmental Minister Leonore Gewessler of Austria played a crucial role in getting the legislation passed since she backed it even though her conservative coalition allies were against it. The policy’s stated goal is to turn around the deterioration of 81% of Europe’s natural environments. Targets like rehabilitating peatlands to absorb CO2 emissions are among them.
Despite last year’s agreement on the law, it was met with criticism from certain governments and demonstrations by farmers who were dissatisfied with the expenses associated with EU standards. As a result of Hungary’s sudden withdrawal of support, which eliminated the slim majority in favour, the vote was delayed from its March schedule.
The European Union has taken a giant leap forward in its fight against environmental crises and for the restoration of biodiversity with this historic decision.
