EU environmental policy 2026: demolition instead of recovery for nature conservation!

EU environmental policy 2026: demolition instead of recovery for nature conservation!

There are exciting but also worrying times ahead in the political landscape of the European Union. A current annual outlook for 2026 shows that we are in a phase in which the protection of our environment and livelihoods is seriously at stake. The article by DNR makes it clear that there will probably be no new EU environmental protection law and that existing standards could be dismantled.

In the coming year, the EU Commission will be under increasing pressure from Parliament and the Council. These pressures could lead to important environmental and health protection standards being weakened. Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People's Party, has considerable influence on legislation and is waging a culture war against environmental initiatives. The political situation in Brussels is characterized by less progressive forces, which is not necessarily optimistic.

Important legislative proposals and challenges

A look at the legislative proposals for 2026 shows that worrying decisions are pending. This includes the possible weakening of the requirements for deforestation-free supply chains. There are also no new nature conservation laws in sight, although a uniform framework for nature conservation loans is being developed in the background. Existing environmental protection laws, such as the Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive, could also be targeted by critics.

Discussions about the climate target for 2040 and the need for a so-called “Fit for 90 package” are in full swing. In addition, emissions trading for buildings and transport (ETS II) will be postponed, and the planned ban on combustion engines is on the brink. The legal act “Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience” is published without mandatory requirements for Member States, making it difficult to implement urgently needed measures to combat the climate crisis.

The long road to environmental protection

Despite these challenges, there are also positive approaches to report. Loud europa.eu The EU has some of the highest environmental standards in the world. This targeted policy seeks to protect, preserve and improve natural capital. A permanent transition to a resource-efficient, environmentally friendly and low-CO2 economy is advocated.

In addition, the EU is committed to protecting endangered species and natural areas and ensuring clean drinking water and clean bathing water. This combines well with the vision that considers both environmental and economic aspects and creates innovative business opportunities and new employment opportunities. Ecological growth is seen as central to the EU's sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, it remains to be said: the road to environmental protection is long and rocky. But even if the political framework conditions are challenging, the call to fight for nature, climate and environmental protection remains more important than ever. The coming developments will be crucial for how we can steer towards a sustainable future.