The European Commissioners want to revisit the Birds and Habitats Directives. These European laws protect birds, plants, animals, and their habitats. They also form the legal basis for the protected Natura 2000 sites. The announced revision is notable because an ongoing evaluation of both directives has not yet been completed.
Change of course
The announced revision fits into a broader change of direction in Brussels. The Commission wants to make European companies more competitive by reducing administrative obligations. Other environmental rules are also being relaxed or withdrawn. For example, Brussels has withdrawn a proposal that would have required companies to better substantiate their green advertising claims.
Nature organizations dispute the need for new legislation. They point to earlier assessments which, according to them, show that the existing nature directives are effective. They also consider it premature that the Commission is considering changes before the results of the ongoing evaluation are known.
Farmers' protest
Agricultural organizations in the Netherlands and Belgium respond positively. The Dutch LTO and the Belgian Boerenbond believe that the current rules unnecessarily complicate permits for the expansion of farms. Farmers have long criticized the Habitats Directive; they hope that adjustments will provide more room for developing their businesses.
Especially the lengthy permit procedures are a major point of contention. Agricultural organizations argue it is insufficiently clear when a project has harmful effects on protected nature. As a result, applications take longer than necessary, according to them. The European Commission expects that simpler rules can speed up permit issuance.
Natura 2000
Nature organizations react with concern; they fear that existing protection is being eroded. They warn that even limited changes can have significant consequences for vulnerable bird species and natural areas. The discussion directly affects Natura 2000, the European network of protected natural areas.
Nitrogen
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the nitrogen issue plays an important role. Agricultural organizations link existing nature rules to prolonged uncertainty over permits and business investments. They want clearer regulations so that entrepreneurs know earlier which activities are allowed or not.
The Dutch center-right minority cabinet led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten presented a bill last week to sharply reduce nitrogen emissions from agriculture and livestock farming. A majority in the parliament in The Hague seems likely to support this.
EPP hearing
Within the European Parliament, opinions are divided. The Christian Democratic European People's Party (EPP) supports revisiting the nature rules, while Green MEPs warn against dismantling nature protection. Later this month, European Christian Democrats will hold their own hearing on this matter. EPP politicians hold the presidency and leading roles in some of the most influential parliamentary committees that co-decide on this issue in Brussels.
The exact changes to the 2027 work program are not yet known. For now, it concerns an announced revision, not final decisions.
