Unlocking funds for nature: How the next EU budget must deliver for biodiversity

The coming months mark a key opportunity to increase financing for biodiversity conservation and restoration measures across the European Union during the negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

With the recent adoption of the Nature Restoration Law, it is crucial to support EU countries in effectively implementing and enforcing its provisions. However, stricter financial regulations and efforts to reduce public debt could lead to intense debates regarding the allocation of resources within the EU, particularly towards biodiversity.

This paper offers three policy proposals to improve EU biodiversity financing:

1. A dedicated biodiversity conservation and restoration fund in the next MFF
2. Strengthening biodiversity mainstreaming through all EU funding programmes
3. Preventing EU funds from financing investments that damage biodiversity