Late Efforts Made by Nations to Rescue EU's Environmental Legislation

Countries are making last-minute efforts to save EU environmental laws, demonstrating their dedication to protecting the environment.

BRUSSELS, May 14 (Reuters) - Led by Ireland, a coalition of 11 nations is making a final effort to endorse the EU's primary initiative aimed at revitalizing degraded ecosystems. Concerns have arisen that the law might be postponed following the EU elections in June. This legislation, considered one of the EU's most significant environmental endeavors, mandates countries to implement strategies for rejuvenating natural habitats across a fifth of their terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. Originally scheduled for approval in March, the vote was postponed after Hungary withdrew its support unexpectedly, jeopardizing the narrow majority in favor of the policy.

In a letter addressed to the environment ministers of other EU nations, published on Tuesday, the 11 countries emphasized the critical importance of ecosystem restoration in combating and adjusting to the consequences of climate change, as well as in ensuring European food security. They warned that the failure of EU leaders to take immediate action would severely erode public trust in political leadership. The signatories of the letter included Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain.

Last year, EU countries and lawmakers reached an agreement on the law, but concerns have been raised about its potentially burdensome impact on industries. Farmers in Europe have protested against strict EU regulations. As of Tuesday, no country has shifted its stance on the law since March, resulting in a deadlock among member states. Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden are against the nature policy, while Austria, Belgium, Finland, and Poland plan to abstain. The remaining EU member states endorse the policy.

"We require the support of just one country," remarked one EU diplomat. The 11 nations proposed presenting the law for endorsement during a meeting of environment ministers on June 17, following its approval by the European Parliament. This timing, post the European Parliament election, might offer countries the political space to back the law. Forecasts indicate a potential shift towards a European Parliament with more right-wing parties, which tend to be skeptical of environmental policies.

Source: Reuters