The EU Environmental Council finally adopted the Nature Restoration Law on Monday, marking the last step for this long-awaited proposal to finally become law, BirdLife Malta said.

It stressed that this outcome is a huge win for Europe’s nature, climate action, citizens, and future. Member States followed through with their commitments and with a majority of 20 countries, representing 66.07% of the population.

The law was officially endorsed, thanks to Austria’s Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler stepping up at the last minute, changing the country’s previous stance and safeguarding the law.

Over the past few years, over a million signatures and messages from citizens, repeated calls from 6,000+ scientists, 100+ businesses, youth organisations, and civil society from across numerous sectors have been made to defend the law and the integrity of the EU Green Deal.

BirdLife Malta said, ”a big thank you to all BirdLife Partners who campaigned for this achievement.”

It was also noted that ”this is a timely outcome to present at the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference later this year, showing that Europe is willing to lead the way in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises by owning up to its global commitments. It is also a very clear message to the new European Parliament and European Commission, to not forget to keep biodiversity at the forefront of their agenda.”

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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