European Parliament adopts major wildlife restoration bill

The European Parliament approved the EU’s groundbreaking nature restoration bill, despite farmer complaints in member states. Farming unions opposed the measure, but it passed with 329 votes to 275 against and 24 abstentions. The main political group in parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP), rejected the measure because to farmer reporting and red tape. The law was changed when the EPP tried to stop it.

The environment restoration law requires the EU to restore 20% of its land and marine regions by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050. The law addresses Europe’s declining natural ecosystems, 81% of which are in bad state. Various ecosystems, particularly CO2-absorbing peatlands, have aims. Member states must rehabilitate 30% of law-covered ecosystems from poor to excellent by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050.


Before taking effect, the policy needs EU member state approval, which is usually a formality but may face internal opposition. The decision followed weeks of farmers’ demonstrations across Europe, including a violent rally outside the EU’s Brussels headquarters. Virginijus Sinkevicius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, thanked bill supporters. The law addresses environmental degradation and biodiversity protection in the EU, harmonizing with global efforts to mitigate human impacts on ecosystems.