Today the Council reached a landmark agreement on the Nature Restoration Law, initiated by former Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans. This has been one of the PES’s flagship proposals, a key pillar of the European Green Deal and a key progressive pledge.
The Nature Restoration Law aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. It sets legally binding targets and obligations for nature restoration across ecosystems, from terrestrial to marine, freshwater and urban ecosystems. The Law is a crucial plank in the EU’s collective effort to mitigate climate change and reduce natural disasters, like flooding and wildfires.
Commented on the agreement, PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck said:
“After months of intense negotiations and political stalling, and despite the EPP group’s opposition to the Nature Restoration Law, the Council has approved this progressive legislation. This decision is important not only for Europe but internationally. The agreement makes sure that Europe honours international agreements reached at COP28 and COP15 and remains a legitimate international voice on climate change and biodiversity.
“The PES is committed to delivering an ambitious environmental agenda during the next legislative mandate. As PES, we are committed to fighting for a European Green and Social Deal that promotes strong social standards, ensures environmental sustainability, and pushes forward Europe’s innovation and industrial policy. Viable ecosystems and a healthy planet can promote the de-escalation of global warming, the reduction of emission, and improved food security.”
The PES has strongly backed the law since its inception. It was introduced by Frans Timmermans during his tenure as Executive Vice President of the European Commission, and pushed forward in the Council by Spain’s Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge Teresa Ribera and others, and championed in the European Parliament by S&D MEPs César Luena and Mohammed Chahim. Without this decisive progressive support across the European institutions, this landmark legislation to protect Europe’s nature would not have passed.
Further information on PES support for the Nature Restoration Law is available here, here and here.
