EU Council position hardens against Nature Restoration Law

Poland and Finland have resisted entreaties to support the divisive Nature Restoration Law and instead switched to becoming explicit opponents, seriously limiting the Belgian EU Council Presidency’s options to move forward the file.

Following Hungary’s decision in March to withdraw its support, the fate of the Nature Restoration Law hangs in the balance. The approval of just one extra country could be enough for the text to become EU law. 

A cabinet fight in Warsaw

The Nature Restoration Law sparked a full-blown argument in a meeting of the Polish government, according to local media, whose reports were also confirmed by Euractiv.

During the meeting, centralist Climate and Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska pushed for the government to support the law, but she was overruled by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Tusk has publicly acknowledged that the law was in the long-term interests of farmers but said that Poland would protect nature “without European coercion”. He also indicated that funding would be required for any actions.

The office of Climate and Environment Deputy Minister Urszula Zielińska confirmed that her green party supports the law and that they “want the government to support it too.”

Liberal member of the European Parliament Róża Thun, who voted for the text in February, urged the Polish government to adopt the “wise views” of the climate and environment minister. She called for “serious discussions” to save the law, citing its critical importance to the climate and biodiversity for future generations. 

Helsinki rejects Belgian Presidency overtures

The Finnish government has also confirmed that it opposes the Nature Restoration Law. According to local reports, the move came despite efforts by the Belgian presidency to convince Helsinki to support the text.

Poland and Finland’s switch from ‘abstaining’ to ‘opposing’ the text is symbolic, as it is only supporting votes that matter for passing EU laws. However, their signalling clarifies that they will not help the Belgian presidency build a consensus on the file.

Other opposing or abstaining countries reaffirmed their positions during the 25 March meeting of environment ministers

Belgian Prime Minister personally opposes the law

Closer to home, the Belgian presidency faces other challenges. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo again publicly voiced his opposition to the law over the Easter weekend. 

While the presidency has emphasised that the prime minister’s personal views are separate from the formal Belgian position, these statements will not help them convince wavering countries to support the text. 

A loss of momentum

Several national officials contacted by Euractiv reported no progress since the 25 March meeting of environment ministers and no clarity on the next steps. 

Some officials raised the prospect of work restarting after the European Parliament elections in June. However, these elections are expected to favour right-of-centre parties, which are more hostile to biodiversity policies. 

[Edited by Alice Taylor]

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