Eamon Ryan

Irish environment minister Eamon Ryan is spearheading a continent-wide effort to have the law approved at the Environmental Council meeting on 17 June, with support secured from Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Luxembourg, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia and Cyprus.

The European Greens said the law was more urgent in light of catastrophic flooding in Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary.

German politician Terry Reintke, European Green lead candidate, said: “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and everyone in Germany and Italy affected by this disaster. The situation is dire, and we are grateful to the many people providing assistance in these severe conditions.

“As the frequency of catastrophic floods increases, there is growing awareness that environmental protection equates to human protection. Europe must restore nature to shield us from such floods.

“We support the effort being spear-headed by Irish environment minister Eamon Ryan to ensure that member states approve the Nature Restoration Law at the upcoming EU Council meeting in June.”

In the European Parliament, the European Greens led a slim majority to pass the Nature Restoration Law on 27 February 2024, with 329 votes in favour, despite fierce opposition of Manfred Weber’s (CSU/EPP) coalition of conservative, liberal, and far-right MEPs.

However, it has stalled with member state leaders in the European Council, with Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo — holding the Council presidency — describing the law as “bad” and suggesting it is revisited after the EU elections.