European parliament votes for watered-down law to restore nature

EU target set to restore at least 20% of land and sea ecosystems by 2030 despite farmers’ protests and rightwing opposition

The European parliament has given the green light to a watered-down law to restore nature, after weeks of fierce protests from farmers and a last-ditch attempt from rightwing parties threatened to sink the deal.

“Today is an important day for Europe as we move from protecting and conserving nature to restoring it,” said César Luena, a Spanish MEP from the centre-left Socialist and Democrats, who led negotiations on the proposal.