EU budget: Nature needs to be a priority – not a side note!

On 18-19 December, the Members of the European Council will meet in Brussels to discuss the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. Though the European Commission itself has recognised that two-thirds of the EU economy relies on nature, yet, nature conservation and restoration are left without ringfenced and dedicated public funding in the current budget proposal.

EuroNatur together with CEE Bankwatch Network are therefore calling in a joint letter for a MFF that delivers for nature by
• Maintaining LIFE  — a proven success for biodiversity conservation — as a strengthened, standalone programme with increased funding
• Supporting an increased climate and biodiversity spending target, with a specific biodiversity spending target of at least ten per cent
• Embedding the objectives of the Nature Restoration Regulation in National and Regional Partnership Plans
• Strictly enforcing the ‘do no significant harm’ principle across all budget lines, without exemptions. 

Europe cannot afford to neglect its nature: we all depend on it. This is why, through reforms, ringfencing and biodiversity mainstreaming, sufficient funds for nature protection and restoration should be secured in the next MFF. By funding nature properly in the MFF 2028 –2034, the EU will safeguard prosperity, resilience, and security for all European citizens, and generations to come.

More on this topic:
Biodiversity funding in the EU's next long-term budget: Ideas for reform
A seat for EuroNatur at European Commission Expert Group - EuroNatur
https://www.euronatur.org/fileadmin/docs/umweltpolitik/RRF_EURENI/Nov25_Position_Paper_Nature-Markets.pdf
https://www.euronatur.org/fileadmin/docs/umweltpolitik/Biodiversitaet/Unlocking_funds_for_nature.pdf