EU ministers approve divisive rewilding legislation
European nations are mandated to restore at least 20% of their damaged lands and marine areas by 2030, with all endangered ecosystems to be restored by 2050, as per the agreement ratified by the EU member states' negotiators in November, with the European Parliament. However, the approval from the 27 EU countries was anticipated to be a mere formality, but diplomatic sources suggest that Italy, Finland, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Hungary, and even Belgium have shown opposition to this law. Austria's approval was crucial in achieving the necessary qualified majority of at least 15 member states and at least 65% of the EU population.
The conservative, Austrian Chancellery, led by OVP, had warned of filing a nullity lawsuit against the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by Sunday, which could potentially overturn the law. Speaking in Brussels, Climate Protection Minister Gewessler stated, "I know I'll face resistance in Austria, but I'm determined to tackle the lawsuit calmly. I believe now is the right moment to pass this law."
In May, eleven EU countries, including Germany, had urged for a resolution on the restoration law in a letter to the Belgian EU Council Presidency. The Fidesz faction, in reference to a previous compromise, "poses a threat to our democratic institutions," the letter read, initiated by Ireland. In July, Hungary, under its right-wing nationalist government, is set to assume the EU Council Presidency on a rotating basis.
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- Leonore Gewessler, Austria's EU Environment Minister, acknowledged potential resistance within Austria regarding the approved rewilding legislation, expressing her determination to handle any legal challenges calmly.
- The rewilding legislation, aimed at restoring at least 20% of damaged lands and marine areas by 2030, faced opposition from several EU countries, including Hungary, which is scheduled to assume the EU Council Presidency in July.
- In a joint letter to the Belgian EU Council Presidency in May, eleven EU countries, such as Germany, urged for a resolution on the restoration law, expressing concerns about potential threats to democratic institutions.
- Despite concerns and opposition from several countries, Austria's approval was critical in achieving the required qualified majority for the law's approval, with at least 15 member states and 65% of the EU population in support.
- The EU Environment Ministers' approval of the divisive rewilding legislation will have significant implications for countries like Luxembourg, where the Renaturation Act may have to align with the EU's broader environment restoration goals.
