News from Brussels in exceptional times

European Institutions are open despite the difficulties. The European Commission and Parliament are working, mainly remotely, while public meetings and events are cancelled or postponed.

What is happening currently at the European Institutions during the lockdown?

As we know, the current “hot” priorities of the debate in the European Institutions are the coordinated management of the COVID-19 crisis. The focus is on the EU aid to the national sanitary systems, to fund scientific research and to support the European citizens economically impacted by the lockdown measures. To stay tuned, you can visit the official website of the three institutions : The European Council, The European Commission and the European Parliament.

Inevitably, even if the Commission and the Parliament are continuing to work on other crucial subjects, several decisional processes are suffering delays.

In this complex framework, some EU initiatives, very important for Protected Areas and Natura2000 sites, have been postponed:

• The publication of the Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and Farm to Fork Strategy, initially planned for end of March has been postponed to April 29.
• The political groups of the European Parliament agreed to postpone the vote of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to after summer.

Some international events, linked to Protected Areas, are also impacted:

• COP26 on Climate Change in Glasgow (UK) is postponed. (More info on the UNFCCC website)
• COP15 on Biodiversity in Kunming (China) is also postponed. (More info on the CBD website)
• The IUCN Congress in Marseille (FR) is rescheduled to the 7-15 January 2021. (More info and update here)

Nature on the back burner?

Well aware of the complex and challenging times we are living in, EUROPARC is strongly convinced that the EU Green Deal shall remain the main roadmap to guide European policies and budget allocations towards a more sustainable Europe, despite the current crisis. Now, it’s time.

The general attention to environmental issues, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts, are clearly at risk to lose importance in the eyes of public opinion – and if decision makers will delay process and actions. EUROPARC is therefore encouraging the EU institutions to progress with the implementation of the Green Deal roadmap.

Timeline in the policy process is crucial: finding the right moment to propose a new legislation will have an impact on the reception of this latter. It´s the concept of windows of opportunity.

Nature, health and recovery perspectives

Environmental and health challenges are strictly connected, also in the COVID-19 crisis as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the international scientific sector are strongly underlying in these days. EUROPARC strongly believes that this crisis, despite its tragic impacts, should be turned into an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of Nature in society.

There is no competition, no contradiction between protecting nature and protecting human health, healthy ecosystems are necessary for human well-being and for sustainable economy.

The European Union and the Member States should now find the ways and the resources for the management of the current sanitary and economic crisis without losing the long-term perspective that the European Green Deal represents.    

UNEP : https://www.unenvironment.org/covid-19-updates

UNEP VIDEO LINK : https://twitter.com/i/status/1245663225691152385

                                                What can you do ?

1. Contribute to the policy-making process sharing views with the European Commission!

Share your views for climate action:

It is important that nature conservation professionals actively contribute to this transparent policy-making process highlighting the role of Protected Areas and Natura2000 for Climate action. They are part of the solution.

Two initiatives are opened :

            The new Climate Law

At the beginning of March, the Commission proposed a new Climate Law. The main objective is to enshrine the 2050 climate-neutrality objective in EU law. The Commission opened a public consultation : an opportunity to give feedback about the proposal until the 1st of May 2020. Have a look here!

            The 2030 Climate Target Plan

Among others, the objective of the new Climate Law is to review the existing greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2030 enhancing its ambition (from 40% to 50-55% CO2 reduction). Stakeholders are invited to give their opinions on what is needed in the Climate Target Plan (inputs such as necessary actions in different sectors, specific policy design to increase climate ambition…) There are 2 ways to contribute:  Send feedback about the target plan by 15th of April or answer to the questionnaire for the public consultation until 23th of June. Have a look here!

Share your perspective for the future of the LIFE Programme

The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action created in 1992. This year will be voted the new budget, an increase is foreseen! Through a survey, you are invited to give your opinion and comments about the LIFE programme. The questionnaire is available here and will be open until 27 April.

2. Raise the importance of nature!

The lockdown is an opportunity to connect with the world through social media and communicate on Nature! Make use of your channels to promote what seems important for you. You may use all your images and material to raise the importance of your Protected Areas. It is an occasion to attract future new visitors by making them dream of travelling!

3. Prepare your next conservation project

The call for proposals of LIFE Programme are now open until mid-June ! This programme is the European Commission’s financial instrument for supporting projects in the fields of environment and climate. Don’t miss your chance to make your idea come true! You can find further information on this article. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice or if you are looking for partners.

4. Share your own stories of ordinary heroes with #EuropeanAgainstCovid19

Are you playing your part to help fight the spread of the virus and support others during this pandemic? To highlight the positive stories of strength and solidarity all over Europe, use the hashtag #EuropeansAgainstCovid19 . It is an opportunity to share your own stories of ordinary heroes or to highlight what your organisation or volunteers are doing to help in this crisis. The European Parliament will showcase these portraits on their media channels. Let’s emphasize positive attitude across Europe!

At EUROPARC Brussels, we will keep following policy update and keep you informed on the last EU News related to Nature and Protected Areas!