The EU biodiversity strategy was launched in 2020 as a ten-year plan to reverse the decline of nature, ecosystems, and animal species. Midway through, it appears that only half of the more than 170 recommendations from the plan have actually been followed up. Only a small portion of the protection targets show improvement, and most trends remain negative.
Of the more than 40 measurement indicators established for tracking progress, a substantial portion is insufficiently developed or even absent. This makes it difficult to determine where improvements are occurring and where intervention is needed. Especially the lack of data on the quality of biotopes hinders targeted action, according to the European study agency.
The analysis shows that agricultural activities are one of the greatest pressures on nature and biodiversity. Intensive use of agricultural land and the loss of grasslands greatly contribute to the decline of species and ecosystems. This negative impact is described by multiple sources as structural and difficult to reverse.
Although some EU countries are making progress with establishing protected areas and restoration projects, these efforts are insufficient to turn the tide. Only a limited number of countries actively implement policies to meet the agreed targets.
The existing EU nature protection legislation, such as the Birds and Habitats Directives, according to the evaluation, is not fully applied or enforced. Lack of coordination between member states, fragmented implementation, and insufficient funding are cited as causes for the slow progress.
A major problem is that many of the strategies sound good on paper but hardly lead to concrete actions in practice. Implementation falls behind due to political resistance, economic interests, and inadequate monitoring, it is said.
The European Commission calls for strengthened efforts in the coming five years. There is an urgent call for accelerated introduction of missing measurement tools, better protection of natural habitats, and increased involvement of citizens and local authorities.
Without additional commitment, most targets of the 2030 biodiversity strategy will not be met. The current trend points to continued decline of nature and species richness in virtually all EU member states, with major risks for ecosystems, agriculture, and public health, the JRC study concludes.