Belgium faced criticism from WWF Belgium after its environment ministers failed to reach a consensus on supporting the European nature restoration law, resulting in the country abstaining

from the vote. The majority of European environment ministers approved a compromise text presented by Sweden. WWF expressed disappointment at Belgium's inability to agree, particularly because Flemish Minister for the Environment, Zuhal Demir, had indicated last Friday that the proposed text was a step in the right direction.

As a federal state, Belgium has environmental ministers representing its regional governments of Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels Capital Region, as well as at the federal level. While Wallonia and Brussels fully support the European nature restoration law, the Flemish government has raised concerns about the potential socioeconomic impact on densely-populated Flanders.

WWF highlighted the significance of the vote, as it sends an important signal to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who will be considering the proposal in mid-July. The organization expressed disappointment in Belgium's evolving position, noting that just six months ago, Belgium had been in favor of the law but had now abstained. WWF encouraged Belgium to rejoin the supporting countries and embrace an ambitious nature restoration law during ongoing dialogues.

According to WWF, Belgium has a particular need for a nature restoration law, as it currently ranks as "the worst student in Europe" in terms of conserving natural habitats. Photo by heiwa4126, Wikimedia commons.