Nature Minister Christianne van der Wal has informed MPs of her intention to vote against EU legislation on nature restoration at the upcoming European Council meeting, aligning with parliamentary demands.
Initially, the government had intended to support the legislation, given that many of the Netherlands’ concerns had been addressed during the negotiation process. However, a recent motion put forward by the BBB and NSC, which received parliamentary approval last week, urged her to vote “no.”
Van der Wal expressed her reluctance in adhering to this decision during her briefing, emphasizing her desire to demonstrate the Netherlands’ reliability as a negotiating partner.
The European Parliament endorsed the legislation at the end of the previous month, albeit in a diluted form following widespread protests by farmers across Europe. The objective of the nature restoration law is to rejuvenate ecosystems for the benefit of people, climate, and the planet, aiming to enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and fulfill international commitments.
The revised version establishes a target for the EU to restore a minimum of 20% of its land and sea by the decade’s end, with complete restoration envisaged by 2050. Farming organizations have voiced concerns, arguing that the legislation places undue burden on farmers and expressing apprehension over the potential loss of valuable agricultural land due to plans for peatlands and wetlands restoration.
Dutch MPs contend that the Netherlands currently struggles to meet existing standards for nitrogen-based pollution and water quality, making the attainment of new targets even more challenging.
Furthermore, the motion called upon Van de Wal to actively seek out other countries willing to oppose the legislation altogether.
During her briefing with MPs, Van der Wal underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining a strategic position within Europe and being seen as a reliable negotiating partner, particularly considering ongoing discussions on other pertinent issues.
European ministers are slated to cast their votes on the legislation on April 12, with Germany also expressing reservations about the proposed measures, according to broadcaster NOS.