Ministers of 11 countries appeal to Poland. “The threat to democratic institutions”

The future of people, nature and the credibility of the European Union are at stake in the EU law on the reconstruction of natural resources – write representatives of 11 EU countries in a letter addressed to, among others, to Poland. They appeal for support for the provisions that were stuck before the last vote. They are intended to allow for better protection and restoration of water resources, natural areas and urban greenery in Europe.

Until recently, it seemed that the law was on the verge of being adopted. After almost two years of negotiations, a compromise version of the regulations was developed. Some of the most controversial provisions have been removed. When EU law is adopted in informal negotiations, its adoption is usually almost certain. As expected, the European Parliament voted in favour. It was supposed to be a formality for the EU countries to seal it. But at the last minute, Hungary – which had previously declared support – changed its mind. Without the support of, among others, Poland, Austria and Finland lacked a qualified majority.

The next – and perhaps last – chance to adopt the law is June 17, when the council of EU environment ministers will meet. If the project is not adopted now, at best it will be postponed for a long time, and at worst – the law will be completely lost. From July, the EU presidency is taken over by Hungary, followed by Poland, countries that are unfavorable to the law on nature restoration.

Nature and democracy are at stake

In the letter, the ministers for environment, among others: from Ireland, Spain, the Czech Republic and Lithuania are calling for a “yes” vote on the law on the restoration of natural resources on June 17. It is enough that one of the countries that voted “no” or abstained from voting – Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Austria and Poland – changes its vote to “yes”.

Ministers note the support for the Nature Restoration Law from non-governmental organizations, scientists and the public. They emphasize that the lack of majority support for the already negotiated agreement is very worrying.

Such retreat from previously agreed compromises, the result of many months of negotiations, threatens our democratic institutions and undermines the EU’s policy-making process. It is our duty as Member States and Ministers to be constructive and work towards common solutions in the interest of European citizens

The letter noted that the European Union has committed to better protection of the natural environment in international forums. Failure to introduce a new law will be seen as a failure to keep promises made to the rest of the world. Finally, it also wrote about the main reasons why a new approach to nature is needed: Europe is the fastest warming continent and “faces unprecedented consequences of the nature and climate crises.”

Tusk’s government on nature like PiS

The law is considered groundbreaking and is one of the pillars of the European Green Deal. It would allow for the restoration of degraded areas, irrigation of drained wetlands and better care for greenery in cities.

The PiS government opposed this law, like many other measures for a stable climate and nature protection. Much to the surprise and chagrin of scientists and experts. At the press conference, the Prime Minister stated that “the government’s recommendation was clear” and “we will probably be able to block this project altogether.” He added that even if “it went against us”, it would be “in a better version, without coercion”.

Since then – despite appeals and protests from Polish scientists and ecologists – there has been no signal that the government of KO, Left and Third Way is willing to change its position.

“Poland’s voice on this matter will be heard not only by every EU country, but also by the whole world,” writes a group of non-governmental organizations. They emphasize that “the health, economy, food and safety of people in Poland and the European Union depend on the good condition of nature”, because more than half of the world’s GDP depends on nature.

There is very little left for the regulations to be adopted. The support of at least 55 percent is necessary. Member States representing not less than 65 percent EU society. Now 19 countries say “yes” (i.e. 70%), six countries are against and two countries are abstaining. However, these 19 countries account for 64.05 percent. EU society, so less than 1% is missing. for the adoption of the regulation.

The organizations emphasize that, contrary to criticism of the regulations, they do not provide for additional obligations for farmers or land owners. These obligations are imposed on Member States. These should, for example, introduce a system of incentives that will ensure that citizens benefit from better nature protection.