Vigenin: Without funding, the nature restoration targets will remain on paper

“Nature restoration is one of the EU’s main pillars, not only for protecting biodiversity but also for preventing the most severe consequences of climate change.” This was stated by Kristian Vigenin, Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, during a debate in Strasbourg. The European Parliament raised the question of how the commitments under the Nature Restoration Regulation, in force since August 2024, will be met.

Kristian Vigenin pointed out that the regulation is essential for food security, health and the general well-being of European citizens. “For Bulgaria, the proper implementation of this regulation is extremely important, as 44% of the country’s territory is protected and there are 92 protected habitats. Bulgaria is also one of the few member states that have already prepared national restoration plans in line with the requirements of the regulation,” the MEP noted.

Funding is late, and the new budget framework does not guarantee it

He also highlighted that the Commission’s assessment of the financial needs for the full implementation of the regulation is more than a year late. “At the same time, the proposal for the EU’s new budget framework drops the target of allocating 10% of the budget to biodiversity and does not provide for the LIFE programme as an instrument for financing environmental and climate action,” Vigenin stressed.

He called on the European Commission to take the necessary action to ensure that the targets set do not remain on paper only.