European Union environment ministers on Monday approved a much fought-over conservation law intended to restore habitats to their natural condition, in a vote that was live-streamed publicly.
The purpose of the Nature Restoration Law is to regrow forests, re-wet moors and return rivers to their natural, free-flowing states. The law has proven controversial, particularly because of fears of heavy restrictions on farmers.
Ministers for 20 EU member states voted in favour, representing 66% of the population. A decision by EU member states was held up until now because not enough national ministers were prepared to back it, despite a preliminary agreement among senior diplomats last year.
The Austrian environment minister's decision to back the law - against the wishes of her country's chancellor - provided the necessary majority. But Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has said he will seek to overturn the decision in the EU's top court.
Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland and Sweden voted against the legislation. Belgium, which is currently responsible for chairing talks among member states, abstained.
