EUROPARC attended in Brussels the EHF – European Habitats Forum meeting, which gathered representatives from several European Environment NGOs who are following closely the development and implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. 

A very fruitful meeting, that counted also with the presence of Stefan Leiner and Nicola Notaro from the European Commission – DG Environment gave the opportunity to address and discuss some priorities that concern from close Protected Areas across Europe. Among those:

• Fitness Check of Nature Directives

with a political decision still expected by the college of Commissioners. (The delay of the process seems to be unjustified at this stage. But after the meeting EUROPARC recently had with the Commissioner Vella, we remain confident and expect a positive decision by the end of the year).

• Agriculture

with the need to improve the sustainability of the CAP and start working towards a substantial reform for post 2020; (in 2017 there  will be a mid term assessment).

• Invasive Alien Species

as the second main driver of biodiversity loss after habitats degradation, will have new measures in place.

• Natura 2000 management and financing

with still lot of progresses to be made for the successful achievement of the EU targets.

• Green Infrastructures (GI)

with the development of a Trans European Network for GI in Europe.

• LIFE programme

with more funding for projects being allocated for 2017.

For more information, please contact Federico Minozzi  f.minozzi @ europarc.org

Learn more about the EHF here.