Hungary’s last-minute decision to withdraw support for the proposal means that the law’s future is uncertain. A planned final vote during Monday’s (25 March) meeting of national environmental ministers is now postponed.
To enter into law the proposal needs support from at least 55% of EU countries representing 65% of the bloc’s population. Hungary’s decision to withdraw support of the proposal means this requirement was not met.
The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, and Poland, also opposed the proposal, while Austria, Finland, and Belgium abstained.
Belgium, the current holder of the council presidency, will try to facilitate consensus amongst member states. This will determine whether the proposal becomes EU law or is scrapped.
The nature restoration law aims to preserve 30% of Europe’s land and sea for biodiversity, with extra targets for the restoration of habitats in poor condition.
In February a compromise version of the contested proposal was approved by the European Parliament, just surviving a rejection from conservatives.
