In June 2022, the European Commission published its long-awaited proposal for an EU Nature Restoration Law. It’s the first European-wide law to set legally binding targets to restore biodiversity and degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. WWF welcomed this ambitious and strong legal proposal, but highlighted a few shortcomings.

Following its publication, the discussion on the proposal moved to the European Parliament and Member States as part of the EU’s co-decision process. WWF, together with other NGOs, had been working closely with both institutions to improve the text. However, an unprecedented disinformation campaign led by conservative and right-wing politicians resulted in a highly politicised and polarising debate around the legislation. 

Thanks to the successful, NGO-led #RestoreNature campaign, which received wide endorsement from various stakeholders, the proposal gathered a tight majority both in the Council and the European Parliament in the summer of 2023.

Together, we defended the EU Nature Restoration Law from being entirely rejected by the European Parliament. We scored a key win for the first EU law to bring nature back to our continent. 
 
In autumn 2023, our aim was to ensure that the final negotiations, called ‘Trilogues’, lead to the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law that effectively tackles the devastating impacts of climate change and biodiversity decline. Given the challenging political context of the negotiations, we were relieved to see that an agreement was reached, although with significant loopholes.

In March 2024, the law was only missing one last formal approval by Member States. But surprisingly, it was once again hanging by a thread when Hungary suddenly withdrew its backing. Our #RestoreNature campaign continued to rally the necessary support. 

The law was formally adopted in June 2024 after Austria stepped up at the last minute and safeguarded the law. The Nature Restoration Law was finally adopted after one of the most tumultuous journeys in the history of EU legislation. In August 2024, the law officially entered into force. 

In the current context, it is essential for Europe to implement its first-ever law to restore nature and protect its citizens and nature from the worst effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. WWF and the #RestoreNature coalition are thrilled to implement this historic legislation and we prepared special guidance for drafting National Restoration Plans (NRPs).

It's time to #RestoreNature, all around Europe!