Europe ratifies Nature Restoration Law despite late opposition

More than 80% of protected habitats across the EU are in danger, according to the European Environment Agency, with a combined area about half the size of Spain in need of restoration

Farmers gathered outside the European Parliament for a protest earlier this month against the European Union's anti-pesticides proposal. Speaking on behalf of the Fine Gael MEPs before today's vote, Seán Kelly said that support will be needed from farmers for Ireland to hit its targets. Photo: AP/Jean-Francois Badias

The European Parliament has ratified the Nature Restoration Law, despite last-minute resistance.

Fine Gael MEPs defied their European grouping, the European Peoples' Party (EPP), and voted in favour of the law which aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s damaged land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050. The bill received 329 votes in favour, 275 against, and 24 abstentions, a margin larger than initially expected and led to applause and cheering among the parliament's Greens and socialists.