IUCN Europe's statement on environmental protection in Europe

IUCN reiterates that the Birds Directive, the Habitats Directive, the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive are central pillars of EU environmental policy. They are essential instruments for the conservation and restoration of Europe’s natural heritage – it’s terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, and the sustainable management of terrestrial and water resources, while delivering directly linked benefits for people, economy, and the wider society. Acknowledging the need to support their full, swift and effective implementation, IUCN reiterates that any discussion on their effectiveness need to be firmly grounded in science, directed toward further strengthening nature conservation and ecosystem resilience, and carried forward in close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders in a transparent and inclusive manner. 

IUCN operates as a unique democratic governance structure, bringing together governments, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples' organizations. In its Resolution 6.074, IUCN “urges all governments to take steps to effectively implement and reinforce the principle of non-regression in the areas of environmental policy and law, with due regard for the constitutional provisions of each country, and with the full, informed and effective participation of relevant rights-holders and stakeholders and with due respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities”.

The Birds and Habitats Directives were found to be fit for purpose through the 2016 Fitness Check, while the evaluation of the Water Framework Directive fitness check concluded positively in 2019. These assessments remain highly relevant today and clearly show that the benefits provided justify their costs, underscoring the importance of strengthening implementation, funding, and enforcement as key conditions to enable these legal frameworks to deliver their full potential. Compromising these key environmental laws would thus also put at risk the many benefits they provide to European citizens, our societies and economy. 

Public support for the protection of biodiversity and the Natura 2000 network is clearly shown by the latest Eurobarometer survey published in June 2026, which indicates that nature conservation is considered a moral responsibility and a strategic economic decision. More than 90% of European citizens consider biodiversity protection essential for human health, food security, clean water, climate resilience and long-term prosperity.  

Effective nature protection is critical for long-term socio-economic stability. A recent analysis by the European Central Bank indicate that 72% of companies in the eurozone rely strongly on the ecosystem services provided by nature and are exposed to the risks associated with biodiversity loss and degradation¹. Studies have shown how without robust implementation, Europe’s annual climate-related health costs could exceed €400 billion euros and that production losses across the bloc are projected to exceed €5 trillion by 2050². Investing in ecosystem restoration, climate mitigation and adaptation, and mainstreaming nature conservation across sectors Nature-based Solutions, is therefore essential. Simplification measures must be carefully assessed to ensure that they do not compromise legal certainty, nor undermine the long-term ecological, social and economic resilience of Europe. 

As several countries progress with aligning their legislation with the bloc’s environmental acquis in pursuit of their accession to the European Union, maintaining a strong and consistent legal framework for nature protection is of heightened importance. This would reinforce the EU’s global green leadership role by anchoring its environmental and climate ambitions in a robust, predictable, and enforced framework, particularly at a time when multilateralism through cooperation is essential to effectively tackle the triple planetary crisis.

Protecting nature while ensuring resilient economies and people’s wellbeing is at the core of IUCN’s mission. Through its expert network and knowledge base, IUCN will continue supporting its Members and partners by providing the most up-to-date science, knowledge, and standards e.g. on species and habitats conservation, protected and conserved areas, Nature-based Solutions, and harnessing their potential for a broad spectrum of societal and environmental benefits, mainstreaming biodiversity across sectors, and enabling conservation action on the ground, including on issues such as human-wildlife co-existence. 

IUCN will continue to engage with the EU institutions through formal channels, and it will continue to build partnerships with both public and private entities, providing a trusted space in which all stakeholders’ views can be heard, in line with the mandate of the IUCN Programme 2026-2029 and our 20-year Strategic Vision.


 

References:

1. Ceglar, A., Parker, M., Pasqua, C., Boldrini, S., Gabet, M., & van der Zwaag, S. (2024). Economic and financial impacts of nature degradation and biodiversity loss. Economic Bulletin Articles, ECB 6.
2. The Cost of Inaction: The Economic Case for Climate Action: Assessing the Costs of Inaction in the European Union; Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien; December 2025