EU Nature Restoration Law deadline met by only six countries

As the September 1 deadline for EU Member States to submit draft national restoration plans under the Nature Restoration Law arrives, reports indicate that only six countries have complied so far. The law, a component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, aims to restore degraded ecosystems and build resilience against climate-driven threats such as wildfires, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.

Environmental groups and associations, including WWF Italia and the #RestoreNature coalition, have expressed concerns regarding the process. In Italy, 14 associations have called for greater transparency, requesting that the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (Mase) release the final text of the plans and the results of public consultations. There are fears that proposed modifications could weaken protections for urban greenery and non-artificialized soils.

Experts also highlight the technical challenges of restoration, such as the need for biosecure nursery production to prevent the spread of soilborne pathogens like Phytophthora. The economic stakes are rising as Europe faces increasing climate disruption, including heatwaves and wildfires that have burned over 643,000 hectares this year.