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In the EU, the EU Parliament wants more trees to be planted in cities, more forests to be reforested and rivers to be restored to their natural state.
Parliament voted on Wednesday in favor of a much-discussed nature conservation law for the European Union. After weeks of debate, MEPs in Strasbourg voted in favor of the project on Wednesday by a majority of 336 to 300.
A prominent guest attended the vote and was visibly pleased with the result: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (20). She was carried away by a cheeky gesture: Thunberg smiles at the camera in a photo from the AFP news agency and shows two outstretched middle fingers.
Negotiations can now begin
Before the vote, Thunberg endorsed Conservation Act advocates. Speaking before the European Parliament on Tuesday, she said: “Our message to politicians is to choose nature and people over profit and greed.”
Your message apparently reached a majority of the MPs. With the yes in parliament, the project – an important building block of EU environmental policy – could be adopted before the European elections next year. But this is not certain. However, with Parliament’s approval, negotiations can now begin with the EU countries involved. More than three weeks ago, they had agreed on a position on the project. A final compromise must now be found for the new requirements to take effect.
The nature conservation law is based on a proposal from the European Commission. Just over a year ago, she presented a draft of the so-called law for the restoration of nature, according to which by 2030 there must be so-called restoration measures for at least 20 percent of the EU’s land and sea area. Measures such as more flower strips so that pollinators such as bees can better survive are also on the agenda.
The Christian Democrats in particular had stormed against the project. The right-wing ID group, which includes Germany’s AfD, other conservatives and some liberals, had spoken out against the law before the vote.
Parliament has also weakened the Commission’s proposal in several places: for example, there are no longer any plans to naturalise drained raised moors again. Controversial demands for farmers have also been scrapped.
At least the “packaging saved”
“It is absurd that we have to fight for the bare minimum,” Thunberg said shortly after the vote. She had traveled to Strasbourg to campaign for the project. The law had been greatly weakened by parliament.
The co-chair of the Greens group in the EU parliament, Philippe Lamberts (60), also said that the law had been relaxed. “But at least we kept the packaging,” says the Belgian. This must now be filled.
The Christian Democrats particularly supported the concerns of large farmers’ associations that farmers could be too constrained by regulations. In the end, the votes of the Liberals and some EPP dissidents probably determined the outcome of the vote. The majority of Liberals eventually passed the law. The representatives of the FDP in the EU parliament voted unanimously against.
In addition to politics, numerous large companies such as Ikea and H&M, but also food companies such as Unilever and Nestlé, had spoken out in favor of the so-called law for nature restoration. In addition, environmental protection organizations, scientists, consumer advocates and some farmers’ organizations have promoted it. (SDA/treasure)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
