The first pan-European nature restoration regulation represents a fundamental and historic opportunity to create a better future for the citizens of Europe and serves as a leading example for the world. IUCN is therefore following with great concern recent developments in the process of adopting this legislation. We call on the EU Council to continue to support the inter-institutional interim agreement reached in November 2023 and follow up on the European Parliament's approval obtained in February 2024. Investments in the restoration of Europe's nature will be crucial for our current and future well-being as we face growing threats related to climate change, such as droughts , forest fires and floods.

All economic sectors will feel the effects of climate change, but some sectors, such as agriculture and forestry, are particularly vulnerable due to their high dependence on healthy and well-functioning ecosystems. These sectors can therefore gain the most from a comprehensive EU-wide nature restoration law. The concerns of these sectors were thoroughly addressed during the trilogues and are included in the provisional agreement reached in November 2023, which has the broad support of citizens, civil society and businesses across the EU.

It is deeply concerning that the progress of this key science-based law is currently facing challenges in its final stages. IUCN therefore calls on EU Member States to stand behind the agreement already reached and use this opportunity to strengthen the resilience, competitiveness and sustainability of the EU economy through nature restoration. (Co2AI)