Shaping the European Commission

At the start of summer, Ursula von der Leyen secured a second term as President of the European Commission. In her political program, she presented a controversial agenda to the newly elected Parliament, committing to both upholding the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal and boosting industrial competitiveness through deregulation. A move that could undermine decades of environmental progress.

As von der Leyen assembles her new Commission, all eyes are on the upcoming October hearings. During this crucial period, the proposed commissioners will be rigorously questioned by MEPs. A pivotal moment to gain clarity on the Commissions direction on this shift in priorities and assert its role in accelerating the fight against climate change, loss of nature, and pollution.

Beyond the commissioner hearings, the work within the European Parliament’s committees will also begin. These committees are crucial in shaping EU legislation over the next five years. At BirdLife, we will be closely following developments on several key files for nature and climate. Here’s what to look out for:

A brighter future for EU Agriculture?

Following seven months of intense negotiations, a groundbreaking agreement has been reached on the future of agriculture in the European Union at the beginning of this month. Key outcomes of this Strategic Dialogue include support for a farming model that works in harmony with nature by maintaining and fully enforcing existing environmental legislation revised income support under the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and recognition of the need for consumption policies that supports transition towards plan-based diets.

President von der Leyen has promised to include these recommendations in the EU Commission’s vision, which will be presented within the first 100 days of her term. At BirdLife, we are determined to hold her accountable and will actively follow the post-2027 CAP discussions, advocating for the repurposing of CAP funds from untargeted, area-based payments to rewarding farmers for nature-friendly practices and climate adaptation. Additionally, we will push to ensure that key legislative files, particularly the Sustainable Food Systems Law and Pesticide Reduction Law, are brought back on the agenda.

Let’s start to #RestoreNature

Late August, the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) entered into force. Member States now need to develop their Nature Restoration Plans (NRPs) by September 2026. These plans will serve as a roadmap for achieving restoration targets for habitats and species. With our Partners, our team advocates for the timely delivery of these NRPs and will provide support throughout their development.

The NRL is a game changing policy to address the urgent nature and climate crises. Its effective implementation requires full priority with all the necessary resources. That’s why we are calling for a dedicated Nature Restoration Fund. With the Strategic Dialogue’s call for increased environmental spending, we are optimistic that this will become a reality.

Join us for Ocean Week

The summer kicked off on a very positive note for our ocean with von der Leyen’s announcement of a European Oceans Pact for the next mandate. While we will need to remain vigilant to ensure this doesn’t become another excuse for unchecked blue growth at the expense of ocean health, its focus on sustainability offers a significant opportunity to restore marine ecosystems and establish a more coherent framework for ocean governance. Our team will continue advocating for the creation of an Ocean Fund to provide the necessary investments supporting the implementation of ambitious marine policies.

Looking ahead to autumn, Ocean Week promises to be a highlight, taking place in the first week of October. We are excited to invite you to events like the launch of our new Blue Manifesto and the Ocean Lab, a platform for dialogue between MEPs, scientists, and NGOs on pressing ocean issues. Check out the full programme here.

Protecting the wolf’s status

In December 2023, the European Commission published a proposal to lower the protection status of the wolf under the Bern Convention. The proposal has been highly contested due to its political motives and lack of scientific basis. Member States are now discussing this proposal in the Environment Council. BirdLife will continue to fight against its adoption before the Bern Convention meeting in December. You can sign the petition here.

Time to revive our forests

What’s more? MEPs and Agriculture Ministers will resume their work on the proposed Forest Monitoring Law, which aims to provide open access to detailed and timely information on the condition and management of EU forests. This law is urgently needed to address data collection gaps, enhance forest health, and prevent further degradation. Our team will continue to advocate for a harmonised framework and the inclusion of appropriate biodiversity indicators.

Ban lead now!

Finally, the European Commission is preparing a legal proposal to ban lead in shooting ammunition and fishing weights, but it is significantly behind schedule. The original deadline passed in May 2023. Delays are not the only issue; opposition from vested interests could result in derogations that may severely weaken the ban’s effectiveness. BirdLife urges for a strong proposal, as only a full restriction on all lead use in hunting, sports shooting and fishing will effectively protect humans and wildlife.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting few months ahead for our team at BirdLife Europe and Central Asia!

Cover image by Yves Adams