It took place a few days ago, let's go back to the new things voted within Europe.
The European Parliament recently narrowly adopted a regulation on "nature restoration", aimed at restoring degraded natural areas and preserving existing ecosystems. Despite a level of ambition deemed very low by ecologists, the compromise was greeted with a standing ovation in Strasbourg. MEPs voted in favor of the text with 336 votes for, 300 votes against and 13 abstentions.
A TEXT IN FAVOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT
This European regulation is part of the measures relating to the European "Green Deal", a set of ecological measures in favor of the ecological and energy transition of the territory at several levels of activity. The objective is to limit or even halt the decline in biodiversity (fauna and flora), in particular by restoring part of the degraded lands and seas of the European Union by 2030, as well as all degraded ecosystems by 2050.
The vote was preceded by intense lobbying, in particular from the Renew group, led by Stéphane Séjourné, a close friend of Emmanuel Macron, who managed to find a compromise within his group. This was inspired by the text discussed at the European Council, where several countries with right-wing governments had already agreed to a similar regulation on nature restoration. This compromise notably allows greater flexibility for the Member States in its implementation, moving from an obligation of results to an obligation of means.
This text would encourage the Member States to take significant and structured measures to halt the erosion of biodiversity and the restoration of land in Europe, according to their own national situation by 2030.
NECESSARY COMPROMISES
Despite this adoption, some environmentalists are mixed in their reaction. For them, it is a half-hearted victory, because the text has been weakened by amendments from various parties linked to the right. David Cormand, environmentalist MEP, points out that certain important aspects in terms of biodiversity have been neglected, with the exception of the protection of bees. However, other members of the Renew group welcome the compromise, pointing out that it is an important victory despite the necessary compromises.
The text adopted by the European Parliament has not yet completed its legislative journey, which will include negotiations between the Council, the Parliament and the European Commission. The next steps will take place during the trialogue, which could be held in the autumn. However, the imminent national elections in several countries could influence the balance within the Council. Nevertheless, if the European Parliament manages to overcome partisan divisions, this could encourage member states to finalize the trilogue.
AND NEXT?...
The consequences of this event will leave deep marks within the usual majority of this mandate, encompassing a wide political spectrum ranging from the Social Democrats to the EPP, passing through the Liberals. In addition, other divisive votes are looming, such as that concerning the Euro 7 standard aimed at limiting the emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases from combustion engines, before their planned ban by 2035, as well as the next law on pesticides.