European Parliament Passes Controversial Law to Restore Natural Ecosystems, Despite Opposition

European Parliament Passes Law to Restore Degraded Natural Ecosystems

BRUSSELS, July 12 – In a closely contested vote, the European Parliament has approved a law aimed at restoring degraded natural ecosystems. The legislation, which received 336 votes in favor, 300 against, and 13 abstentions, will now enter negotiations between lawmakers and member countries to finalize the text. The goal is to reach a deal before the EU Parliament elections in 2024.

The passage of the law is being hailed as a victory for scientists, young people, businesses, and the agricultural sector. Cesar Luena, the parliament’s lead negotiator on the law, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We have won. It is a social victory: for scientists, for young people, for a lot of companies and businesses, for the agricultural sector.”

The law has been the subject of intense political campaigning, revealing deep divisions among EU countries and lawmakers. Some government leaders have raised concerns that Europe is implementing too many environmental laws as part of its overall green agenda. The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest lawmaker group in the EU Parliament, led a campaign against the law, arguing that it would harm farmers and jeopardize food security.

Manfred Weber, chair of the EPP group, criticized the outcome, calling it an “empty win” and emphasizing the need for unity to achieve success in the green deal. However, proponents of the law argue that restoring nature brings numerous benefits to farmers, as it is impossible to grow food on dead soil.

Lawmakers and scientists have dismissed the claims made by the EPP, accusing the group of spreading misinformation to gain votes ahead of the upcoming EU Parliament elections. Cesar Luena emphasized that the law is not against anyone but rather on behalf of nature.

The legislation requires countries to implement measures to restore nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030. This initiative aims to reverse the decline of Europe’s natural habitats, with 81% currently classified as being in poor health.

The passage of this law adds to the EU’s efforts to address environmental issues and achieve its overall green agenda, including the goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, recent environmental proposals have faced resistance, particularly those that require changes from farmers to tackle environmental pollution and the decline of bee and butterfly populations.

Earlier this week, EU lawmakers voted to weaken another law aimed at reducing pollution from farms. The negotiations on the final text of the law to restore degraded natural ecosystems will now commence, with the aim of reaching a consensus before the EU Parliament elections in 2024.

Reporting by Kate Abnett, Marine Strauss, Bart Meijer, and Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Mark Potter, Devika Syamnath, and Ed Osmond

What are the key issues that need to be addressed in the negotiations between the European Parliament and member countries to ensure the final text of the law is effective and feasible

Nvironmental regulations and that the law could place an unnecessary burden on businesses and farmers. However, proponents argue that this legislation is a necessary step to combat the ongoing degradation of natural ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity.

The law seeks to restore degraded ecosystems by promoting the recovery of damaged habitats, fostering the reintroduction of lost species, and encouraging sustainable land management practices. It aims to provide a framework for member countries to set specific restoration targets and implement measures to achieve them.

Degraded natural ecosystems have far-reaching environmental and economic consequences. They contribute to the loss of biodiversity, disrupt ecosystem services, and exacerbate climate change. In addition, they have negative impacts on human well-being, including increased vulnerability to natural disasters and reduced access to clean water and food.

The passage of this law reflects a growing recognition of the urgency to address environmental issues at a European level. It aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal, a comprehensive plan to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

However, the law’s passage is just the first step. Negotiations between the European Parliament and member countries will be crucial to ensuring the final text is effective and feasible. Key issues to be addressed include funding mechanisms, enforcement mechanisms, and the role of agriculture in ecosystem restoration.

The final text of the law is expected to be agreed upon before the EU Parliament elections in 2024. Once adopted, it will provide a legal framework for member countries to restore degraded natural ecosystems and contribute to the global effort to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change.