The newest version of the European Parliament’s proposed Nature Restoration Law faced an impasse within a European Parliament committee on Tuesday, failing to secure a majority vote. The Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rejected the proposal in a tie 44–44 vote.

The vote transpired amidst a contentious political campaign waged by the center-right European People’s Party, which vehemently opposed the bill. The party spearheaded an effort to scrutinize and criticize the legislation, explicitly asserting that it poses a threat to the agricultural industry.

The primary contentions centered around the potential disruption of supply chains and the prospective long-term increase in food prices for consumers as a result of the bill. Progressive parties, who advocate for the renewable energy sector and environmental rehabilitation, vigorously contested these allegations. However, despite their efforts, attaining a commanding majority to secure the passage of amendments to the bill remained elusive.

The Nature Restoration Law was enacted as an integral component of the European biodiversity strategy program, marking a significant milestone in the endeavor to revive and rejuvenate plant and animal life negatively impacted by human activities. This legislative measure, which received approval in 2022, followed a comprehensive commission study that unequivocally determined that a staggering 81% of habitats across the European continent were in a state of deterioration.

Initially, the bill stipulated a minimum requirement of protecting 20% of the EU’s land and sea by the year 2030. Subsequent amendments were proposed to elevate this threshold to 30%, surpassing the original provisions of the bill.

The bill mandated a governmental obligation to formulate comprehensive long-term strategies aimed at revitalizing plant and animal life. Among the measures prescribed were the afforestation initiatives and the revitalization and expansion of green spaces within urban areas. These straightforward actions were deemed essential for the restoration and preservation of biodiversity.

From its inception, this legislation garnered mixed reactions among different segments of the population. While environmental organizations expressed favorable opinions of the law, individuals directly involved in affected occupations criticized it as ill-conceived and impracticable, raising concerns over its potential adverse repercussions.

The Environment Committee will bring the proposal to reject the bill to the European Parliament plenary, which will then decide how to proceed.