BirdLife warns on EU nature laws, funding

BirdLife International has warned that the European Union's foundational nature laws are under fresh scrutiny, potentially threatening wildlife protections. The environmental organisation states that attacks on environmental rules are broadening to include pesticide regulations and crucial funding programmes.

The fight for nature laws

The European Commission has launched a new 'stress test' of the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives. BirdLife notes this review repeats an exercise conducted a few years ago, which concluded the laws were effective but needed better implementation and funding. The group is concerned this new process could become an excuse to weaken the protections for the sake of short-term economic interests. Its #HandsOffNature campaign is monitoring the process and claims over 600,000 people have joined the effort to defend the laws.

Pressure is also mounting on pesticide rules. BirdLife reports that big agricultural lobbies are pushing the European Commission to weaken regulations. The organisation states that giving in could mean food is treated with pesticides receiving far less scrutiny, a scenario it calls a disaster for nature, farmers, and consumers.

The budget battle for nature

By year's end, the EU will decide its next long-term budget, setting priorities for the coming decade. BirdLife is particularly worried about the future of the LIFE programme, the EU's flagship fund for nature restoration and environmental projects. The group says there are "worrying signals" this funding could be reduced or scrapped. BirdLife Partners across Europe use LIFE funding for projects like wetland restoration and protecting endangered species.

Another major budget component is the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which accounts for about a third of the total EU budget. As the CAP enters its next cycle, its funding will be part of the wider negotiations. BirdLife advocates for CAP funding that supports farmers who work with nature, arguing that thriving farmlands and long-term food security depend on halting biodiversity decline.

Restoration in focus

The adopted Nature Restoration Law now moves to the implementation phase. EU countries are due to submit their first national restoration plans to the European Commission this September. BirdLife states it will analyse these plans closely to ensure the final versions, due in 2027, are sufficiently strong.

At the end of October, BirdLife's team will attend the UN biodiversity conference (COP17) in Armenia. The organisation's core message will be that tackling the climate crisis and restoring nature must go hand in hand. It plans to share examples of restoration projects run by its Partners across the region.

BirdLife acknowledges the coming months will be challenging, with nature under pressure from multiple political decisions. However, it points to past successes, like defending the nature laws and winning the Nature Restoration Law, as evidence that public advocacy can make a difference.