The 27 member countries of the European Union are unable to agree on the adoption of an ambitious legislative text for the continent’s ecosystems: the regulation on nature restoration. It was adopted in February by the European Parliament after long negotiations, but it is now at an impasse. Environment ministers were due to vote on March 25 during their meeting in Brussels, but this vote will not take place.
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With our correspondent in Brussels, Pierre Benazet
Intended to reverse the dynamic of loss of biodiversity in the countries of the European Union, the text provides for obligatory measures to “ fix » damaged territories. This text aims to preserve the biodiversity of 30% of land and seas with additional objectives for the restoration of damaged habitats, but the conservative parties managed to remove the obligation to restore 10% of agricultural land.
From twist to twist, this law on the restoration of nature nevertheless continues its bumpy journey. This Monday, March 25, it is only on the agenda as an information item, a last minute addition with no hope of a vote. After the adoption by the European Parliament, it still does not bring together the necessary majority among the 27.
Fear of possible political consequences of the text
To be adopted, the text would have had to bring together what Europeans call a qualified majority. To obtain it, you must bring together 55% of the member countries which must represent 65% of the population. The suspense lasted until the end of last week, when Hungary finally joined a group of five countries opposed to the text. Three other countries abstain. The result is that there is a sufficient majority of countries, but they only represent 64% of the population.
1% is missing but this is enough to demonstrate how controversial this text remains. As the European elections approach, the anger of farmers hardly abates and many governments therefore seem to fear the possible political consequences of this text.
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