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Nature Restoration Law finally approved after Austria’s U-turn

by AI | 18.Jun 2024 | Europe in brief AI

After months of blocking, the member states have finally approved the European Nature Restoration Law. This was only possible because Austria shifted to a yes vote.

A nature reserve in Germany. - Photo: EFE/EPA/ULI DECK/Archives

Brussels – The European environment ministers finally approved the highly discussed nature restoration law on Monday. The changed stance of Austria provided the required majority.

Austrian environment minister Leonore Gewessler pressed the green button on Monday because, she argued, the state of Vienna had adjusted its position, and thereby changed the entire Austrian stance. “Moreover, I have always said that if there is a way to approve the law, I would do it,” she said. Also not unimportant is that Austria is heading to the polls in September for parliamentary elections.

“I have always said that if there is a way to approve the law, I would do it.”

Austrian environment minister Leonore Gewessler

Gewessler’s vote ultimately made the difference. After a debate in which all member states once again clarified their positions, the required qualified majority was reached. Twenty of the 27 member states voted in favor, six voted against (Finland, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden), only Belgium abstained.

The meeting of the environment ministers was chaired by the Brussels minister Alain Maron, in the name of the Belgian EU presidency. “The law is the result of long-term work that has paid off. We cannot take a break when it comes to protecting our environment,” he immediately responded.