Critics of European Commission environment plans seem to be getting their way. In a letter to European Union Member States, EC President, Ursula Von der Leyen, has opened the door to adjustments to the proposed European Nature Restoration Act.
The EC is supportive of calls to relax the proposed legislation on several key issues, siding with numerous opponents who have raised concerns over the plans.
In a letter addressed to Member States on June 9, Von der Leyen presented an amended course of action that included potential modifications, which she believes should be open for discussion.
The communiqué relates to apprehensions expressed by some Member States about the potential impact of planned provisions regarding the preservation of natural areas in relation to housing and economic activities, particularly in densely populated regions.
Von der Leyen suggests the possibility of “reformulating” these provisions. Member States would be asked to make a ‘commitment of effort’ rather than a specific commitment to achieving certified results. Additionally, the EC might consider “regional and local specificities” when reviewing national plans.
Her dossier is now in the hands of both the EU Parliament and the European Council, both of which will have to establish their respective stances before engaging in any compromise negotiations.
An ‘extraordinary session’ of the Parliament’s Environment Committee is scheduled to take place in Strasbourg on June 15, where votes will be cast on the proposed regulation. Council of Environment ministers will be tasked with reaching a consensus by June 20.
The most notable dissent regarding the environmental plans is from French President, Emmanuel Macron, and Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo. Both claim the ‘green’ policy, if adopted, would represent too big a burden for their industries and economies.
Farmers across Europe have also loudly voiced significant concerns, against a backdrop of recent elections in Holland where the new Farmer-Citizen party won in a landslide victory.
Macron called on the EU to halt what he sees as its barrage of green legislation and De Croo, likewise, pleaded for a pause in implementing any such legislation. The Belgian even clashed with European Commissioner, Frans Timmermans, claiming the Dutch pro-green politician will be unable to realise his dream of bloc-wide lower carbon emissions with “just hot air” emanating from his “European bubble”.
In the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP) is also resisting the proposals – which is seen as surprising given it is Von der Leyen’s party. However, that may in some part be down to the historical bonds Christian Democrats have with farmers across Europe.
Conversely, green politicians across Europe, and Timmermans, could be forced to give in and might end up defending a heavily cropped act – or fight over it – in the run-up to the European elections, both of which represent less than ideal scenarios.
