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Date Published: 28/02/2024

EU waters down Nature Restoration Law following farmer protests

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Tractor demonstrations continue to cause disruption on roads throughout Spain

EU waters down Nature Restoration Law following farmer protests

After weeks of intense protests from farmers in Spain and across the globe, the European Parliament has voted in favour of a watered-down law aimed at restoring natural habitats and ecosystems across the EU.

The new law, which is part of the EU's controversial Green Deal, sets a target of restoring at least 20% of Europe’s land and sea habitats by the end of the decade. This goal is expected to increase to 100% by 2050, covering all ecosystems in need of restoration.

“This law is not about restoring nature for the sake of nature,” said the EU environment commissioner, Virginijus Sinkevičius. “It is about ensuring a habitable environment where the wellbeing of current and future generations is ensured.”

Despite the approval, the law faced strong opposition from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right lawmakers, who claimed that the legislation would place an excessive burden on farmers.

Farmers have been vocal in their opposition to the law, staging protests across the continent and clashing with riot police in Brussels earlier this week. The demonstrations turned violent, with farmers setting fire to tires, spraying police with manure and driving their tractors through barricades.

The approved law calls for the restoration of at least 30% of drained peatland by 2030 and requires member states to move forward in different areas of agricultural biodiversity, such as increasing the number of grassland butterflies and farmland birds.

While environmental groups have praised the outcome of the vote, which passed with 329 votes in favour and 275 against, they acknowledge that the final version of the law is weaker than originally proposed.

The EU Council must still approve the law before it can come into effect. With tensions running high and protests continuing to escalate, it remains to be seen how the law will be implemented and whether it will achieve its intended goals.

A coalition made up of BirdLife Europe, ClientEarth, European Environment Bureau and WWF EU said: “We are relieved that MEPs listened to facts and science, and did not give in to populism and fear-mongering. Now, we urge member states to follow suit and deliver this much-needed law to bring back nature in Europe.”

In other news: Tenerife declares water emergency amid ongoing drought

Image: @BGatesIsaPyscho

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