German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke has praised Monday's approval of the much-debated Nature Restoration Law by EU member states, describing it as a crucial step for a healthy environment in Europe.
"I very much welcome that EU member states have today adopted the regulation on nature restoration," the Green politician said of the decision taken with her EU counterparts in Luxembourg.
She said the law struck a balance between all interests. EU member states had demonstrated responsibility for nature in Europe, she noted. "An intact nature is the web that supports us all," Lemke said.
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.
The law only received the required majority backing due to a change in Austria's stance. Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler of the Greens voted for the law, against the wishes of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
