The EU’s nature restoration laws are facing a critical moment as eight member states, including Hungary and Italy, have withdrawn support for the legislation. These laws, which have been in development for two years, aim to reverse decades of damage to wildlife on land and in waterways. Originally scheduled for a rubber-stamp vote, the legislation was shelved when it became clear that it would not pass the final stage with the required majority. The European environment commissioner expressed concern about the EU’s global reputation and the stability of its decision-making process. The setback adds to recent blows to the EU’s environmental agenda, as policymakers grapple with farmers’ protests across the bloc. Spain’s environment minister emphasized that abandoning the green agenda would be “enormously irresponsible.”

Source: The Guardian