The European Commission’s proposed law on Nature Restoration is at a critical stage after a vote in the European Parliament’s environment committee on 15 and 27 June. The COM ENVI rejected the Committee’s Report with a final vote of 44 votes in favor, 44 against and 0 abstentions. The law has faced strong opposition, particularly from right-wing parties like the European People’s Party (EPP). The law now faces a decisive vote in the Parliament’s plenary in July, with no clear majority in favor or against it. The rejection or approval of the law is likely to depend on centrist Renew Europe lawmakers and dissenting EPP members.

There is a division between supporters and opponents of the law, with the EPP calling for the European Commission to withdraw its proposal, while critics argue for a better-designed law with clear objectives and a dedicated budget. The rejection of the law is seen by some as a signal that restrictive and unworkable measures are not favored by the public.

EUSTAFOR, FTP Founding member and representative of the State Forest organizations reiterated its policy asks ahead of the Plenary.

Source: EURACTIV