The text had already been approved by the European Parliament after an intense political battle, particularly with regard to its impact on agricultural land

A key text of the European Green Pact has been officially approved. EU Member States voted in favour of the Nature Restoration Act on Monday 17 June. This legislation requires the implementation of measures to restore ecosystems on 20% of land and marine areas by 2030, and to rehabilitate at least 30% of degraded habitats such as wetlands and forests. It also includes initiatives to improve forest health, remove obstacles from watercourses and halt the decline in bee populations. The impact of this law on rural areas sparked heated debate in the European Parliament last year and provoked angry reactions in the farming sector in early 2024, despite the introduction of numerous flexibilities. The text, although widely amended and criticised, was finally adopted by the Parliament.

In the final vote, twenty countries, including France, supported the law. Six countries were opposed and one, Belgium, abstained. The law thus achieved the necessary qualified majority (15 countries representing 65% of the EU population), thanks in particular to a change of position by the Austrian Environment Minister. Austria had previously chosen to abstain due to internal divisions. However, Leonore Gewessler announced her support after two Austrian regions came on board, saying she wanted to “listen to her conscience” for “future generations”.

The environmental NGO WWF hailed the adoption as “a historic victory”. “I am delighted with this positive outcome. Contrary to caricatures, this framework will strengthen our ability to cope with the impacts of climate shocks”, said Pascal Canfin, a French MEP, on X. Christophe Béchu, the French Minister for Ecological Transition, also welcomed the decision, saying that the law gives concrete form to the EU’s international commitment to implement the global framework on biodiversity adopted in December 2022. “Restoring nature and our landscapes also means preserving for future generations the ecosystem services that guarantee our production and resilience.”

Since the 19th century, the average global temperature has risen by 1.1°C, a rise that scientists attribute with certainty to human activities, in particular the consumption of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). This rapid warming threatens our future and biodiversity. However, solutions do exist, such as renewable energies, energy sobriety and reducing meat consumption.