Europe’s unfinished environment files: Nature restoration versus everything else

In spite of the very public backlash against the EU Green Deal, several key environmental files continue to pass through the EU’s legislative machinery without major controversy.

Three of the files – concerning plastic pellets, food and textile waste, and vehicle design – are still open as they were only tabled in the summer of 2023. Parliament has reached agreement on two of these files already, and the Council is expected to follow suit.

Experience with these files suggests that the backlash against environmental measures is more focused and nuanced than the headlines suggest.

Proposed new rules that clearly benefit human health or will lead to more efficient use of resources are going through the normal legislative process without major ideological opposition.

The same cannot be said for the Nature Restoration Law, which has become a flashpoint for right-wing and agricultural sector anger.

The EU has been producing environmental protection laws for many years, often without attracting serious controversy. Experience with some of the open files suggests that this lower-profile work may be able to continue during the EU’s next cycle, even if the Green Deal has been dropped.

[Donagh Cagney]

Preventing plastic pellet losses 

In October 2023, the Commission proposed a regulation designed to curb plastic pollution by requiring companies to report on their handling of plastic pellets — the raw material used in manufacturing plastic products.  

Environmental groups are pushing for tighter regulations, due to the number of plastic pellets that find their way into the environment. These pellets can be ingested by animals, and can end up in human food chains.

The draft text stipulates that businesses handling more than five tonnes of plastic pellets, and businesses transporting pellets, would need to take measures to prevent spills, contain them if they occur, and clean up afterwards. 

Parliament adopted its proposal on 23 April. The Environment Council has not found an agreement on the file, but no insurmountable barriers are foreseen, though work will only be completed in the next legislative cycle.

Food and textile waste

In July 2023, the European Commission proposed an amendment to the Waste Framework Directive to better prevent and reduce waste from food and textiles across the EU. 

The proposal includes binding targets to reduce food waste. For textiles, national governments would set up systems where economic operators who sell textiles in the EU would cover the costs of the collection of material for reuse, preparation for reuse, and recycling. 

The Parliament adopted its position in March 2024. It voted to increase the ambition of food waste targets and expanded the scope of the text to include textile-related products, like synthetic leather. 

In the Council, the file has been positively received, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Vehicle design for reuse and recyclability 

This proposed law, tabled in July 2023, sets requirements for the construction of new vehicles to maximise recyclability and reusability of spare parts, when the vehicle can no longer be driven.

It also sets minimum standards for the material composition of vehicles. Six years after the proposal enters into force, post-consumer plastic waste should comprise 25% of the plastic used to create new vehicles.

The Parliament and Council have both started deliberations on the text but no agreements are expected before the elections.

As well as enhancing environmental protection, the initiative should bolster Europe’s autonomy and security of supply. It should therefore be possible to find a compromise that appeals to politicians across the spectrum.

Nature restoration

The Nature Restoration Law was proposed by the Commission in June 2022 to address Europe’s serious biodiverity losses. The proposed law would require national governments to restore at least 20% of Europe’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems needing restoration by 2050.

The file proved very contentious, particularity with the agricultural sector. After being significantly watered down, a compromise text was initially agreed between the European Parliament and Council.

However, just before the Council was due to formally pass the proposal into law, several countries, led by Hungary, withdrew their support for the file.

Opposing countries have not made concrete suggestions as to how the proposal could be changed to make it more acceptable. This suggests that their opposition may be ideological.

No progress is expected before the June elections. If the elections deliver a projected swing to the right, it will prove even more challenging for the proposal to be adopted.

 [Edited by Donagh Cagney/Zoran Radosavljevic]

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