Following the recent developments surrounding the EU Nature Restoration Law (NLR), we would like to update you on this hot topic and to make you aware of what you can do as a business if you wish to make a mark.

Nature Restoration Law – Context and latest controversy

The NRL is one of the EU Green Deal’s flagship laws addressing the growing pace of nature loss in Europe. The law comes in the context of the rapid degradation of nature, and the acknowledgment of the increasing risks to the sustainability and resilience of our economy and livelihoods. The NRL proposal aims to set in place policy frameworks necessary to restore nature and align climate and nature ambitions to increase the resilience of the European economy.

Many business and investor networks, as well as business associations and companies, civil society and the organisation representing the European power sector, are urging Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to support an effective NRL. There is, however, also a strong pushback from some industry and farmer groups against EU environmental legislation which has influenced some EU decision makers, spurring a recent surge of political hesitancy. At the Council there is however an overall consensus to come to an agreement on the law to give the necessary policy direction to businesses that the EU is willing to implement its international climate and biodiversity commitments under the UN Conventions. 

Key decision-making timings

In this context, on June 15^th, the Environment Committee will vote on their position to move forward with this legislation, or to reject it. The vote is expected to be very tight, and if the Environment Committee rejects it, there is a very high chance that the NRL will be sent back to the Commission for its revision, which will likely not have the time to produce a new proposal before the EU elections. The task to draft and propose a new NRL would then be left to the new Commission. This would mean that another - and likely weaker - proposal would not come into force until about 2027, severely jeopardising the EU’s ability to implement its international 2030 commitments under the UN Biodiversity Convention.

Actions available to businesses today

Businesses with a forward-looking perspective on the need for the adoption of a strong NRL may be crucial to the future of the economy and society. Many have already been advocating for a robust NRL that would help the EU align its climate and nature objectives and give a clear policy direction to businesses.

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership and CLG Europe are leading a campaign in support of a strong NRL. If you wish to join the campaign, you may use the Nature Campaign Package For Businesses, which provides key talking points and graphic materials to reach out to members of the European Parliament, and to show support via the social media storm on Monday June 12^th.

In parallel, Business for Nature is coordinating an open letter calling on EU policy leaders to urgently adopt regulations in support of nature protection. Interested companies can fill up this form by COB Friday June 9^th to add their support, signing the letter with CEO, a Board member or a C-Suite’s name. The letter is high-level and builds on existing Business for Nature messaging and it will be sent directly to key decision-makers, as well as published in European media. 

Stay up to date!

To continue supporting your awareness of ongoing developments, we will be delivering a specific short webinar thus Thursday June 8^th form 16:00 to 16:30 CEST. Register here to attend.

Disclaimer: This is a Newsletter post of the European Business & Biodiversity Platform which does not represent the views of the European Commission