With a €65 billion annual shortfall looming, European Union member states are being pressed to finalise nature restoration plans before the 1 September deadline.

Nature Restoration Regulation deadline

EU capitals have just days left to submit their draft nature restoration plans to the European Commission, as required by the bloc's Nature Restoration Regulation.

The call follows wildfires that scorched thousands of hectares in Spain and France, and low water levels that forced partial shutdowns at nuclear plants in Hungary and Romania, where the Danube River fell to record lows. These events underscore how climate shocks in one part of the Union can quickly ripple across borders, affecting energy security and agricultural markets throughout Europe.

Researchers from the European Biodiversity Partnership Biodiversa+ are urging member states to translate the nature restoration law into concrete action, arguing that healthier landscapes boost the continent's resilience to extreme weather.

They present robust ecosystems as a climate‑resilience tool that can dampen drought, wildfires and floods while also safeguarding water supplies, moving the debate beyond pure biodiversity concerns. Such nature‑based buffers are especially relevant for river basins that cross multiple borders, where coordinated restoration can reduce downstream flood risks for several countries.

The group also recommends nature‑based solutions to ease urban flooding and calls for climate‑risk assessments to keep projects effective as conditions evolve.

Yet fewer than one in ten national restoration policies address health or social outcomes, and private investment remains modest.

In a statement, Biodiversa+ noted that "72 % of non‑financial corporations and nearly 75 % of euro‑area bank loans are linked to sectors dependent on nature, making private‑sector engagement an economic necessity rather than charity."

Funding gap and private sector role

The EU faces an estimated €65 billion annual shortfall in its nature restoration budget, a gap that could stall projects unless governments tap private capital or re‑allocate existing funds. Bridging this gap is crucial for meeting the EU's 2030 biodiversity targets, which are tied to the bloc's broader climate commitments under the European Green Deal.

Rainer Sodtke, Biodiversa+ co‑chair, said the science behind restoration is well‑established and urged capitals to act now to prepare for hotter, drier summers.

He pointed to guidance prepared by Biodiversa+ that offers evidence‑based steps for creating effective plans under the Regulation.

Finalised plans are due in 2027, with the first review scheduled for 2032, meaning today's choices will shape the next decade.

EU lawmaker Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA/Germany) warned that climate‑adaptation measures are more urgent than ever after this summer's fires.

Her colleague Terry Reintke (Germany) added that nature restoration is not merely policy but a key answer to the existential climate challenge.

Debate over LIFE programme funding

When drafting the 2028‑2034 multi‑annual budget, the Commission suggested folding the flagship LIFE programme into the Competitiveness Fund, sparking concern among member states.

Spain cautioned that merging LIFE could dilute its impact, while also noting that proposed biodiversity funding for the next budget may fall below the €5.4 billion allocated for 2021‑2027.