Danish Delegation Expresses Serious Concerns about Proposed Nature Restoration Regulation
The Danish delegation has expressed serious concerns about the proposed Nature Restoration Regulation, citing potential negative impacts on energy production and deployment.
The concerns were outlined in an information note submitted to the Council on March 21, 2023. The note highlights the importance of achieving the EU's climate targets and phasing out the use of Russian energy, while promoting balanced co-existence with healthy terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
According to the note, the proposed Nature Restoration Regulation may complicate already complex permitting procedures for renewable energy development and cause additional delays and costs for the green transition. The regulation requires Member States to put in place measures for achieving “good condition” on at least 90% of listed habitat areas on land and sea by 2050 and avoid deterioration.
The Danish delegation expressed particular concern about the proposal's potential impact on renewable energy projects and other marine activities, including Carbon Capture and Storage. The note suggests that restoring 90% of the area to good condition would leave too small an area for activities not compatible with nature restoration, and calls on the Commission and Member States to assess the implications of the proposal on the energy sector and ensure a sufficient acceleration of renewable energy projects.
The proposed Nature Restoration Regulation aims to establish a framework for nature restoration in the European Union, with the aim of achieving healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as contributing to the EU's climate objectives. The proposal sets specific targets for nature restoration, including achieving "good condition" on at least 30% of land and sea areas in the EU by 2030, and at least 90% by 2050.
While the Danish delegation recognizes the importance of nature restoration, they stress the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the need for renewable energy and other activities. The delegation's concerns highlight the challenges of balancing environmental conservation and economic development in the context of climate change and sustainable development.
As the EU moves forward with efforts to promote nature restoration and combat climate change, it will be important to consider the concerns raised by the Danish delegation and other stakeholders, and to work towards a balanced approach that achieves both environmental and economic goals.