In a significant development from Brussels, national ministers have decided to discuss the Nature Restoration Law at an upcoming Environmental Council meeting on Monday, June 17th, without proceeding to a vote. This decision underscores ongoing resistance among EU member states towards the legislation, which aims to rejuvenate ecosystems, habitats, and species across both land and sea areas of the European Union.
Originally slated for a vote, the law has faced hurdles within the Council despite a compromise text being reached with the European Parliament last year. March’s scheduled vote was postponed after Hungary withdrew its support, prompting a lack of necessary backing to pass the law. Subsequent indications from Poland and Slovakia further solidified the lack of consensus among member states.
Efforts in May by 11 countries, spearheaded by Ireland, aimed to rally support for the legislation, yet confirmations from officials indicate that significant backing remains elusive among national governments.
The decision to table the vote reflects the complexity and ongoing negotiations surrounding the Nature Restoration Law within the European Union, highlighting the challenges in achieving unified environmental policies across member states.