What happened
EU Member States submitted draft national restoration plans to the European Commission on 1 September 2026. The submissions are part of the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, which took effect in August 2024.
Each draft is expected to explain how the country plans to meet restoration requirements up to 2030. It must also give a strategic view of planned targets and measures for 2040 and 2050.
The Commission, assisted by the European Environment Agency, will examine the drafts and send comments to national authorities. The Commission says those comments will be published, while Member States retain responsibility for the final content of their plans.
Why it matters
The plans are intended to align restoration action with EU water and climate policy, as well as agriculture, forestry, marine and fisheries policy. This makes them relevant to businesses and operators whose activities are connected to land, forests, water, coastal areas or fisheries.
Member States may adapt their approach to local ecological, geographical and socio-economic conditions and can use existing measures to limit duplication. The Commission also expects countries to draw on national cross-sector budgets and private finance, alongside EU funding sources.
Some countries are developing support schemes and public-private partnerships involving land managers, sea users and companies. These arrangements may shape how restoration actions are delivered locally.
Background
The regulation sets binding objectives for restoring degraded ecosystems, particularly where restoration can support carbon storage and reduce the effects of natural hazards. The Commission links this work to resilience against droughts, heatwaves, flooding and wildfires.
What's next
Following the assessment period, Member States are to complete their final national restoration plans within one year. The Commission also plans further analysis of funding needs after reviewing the drafts and as negotiations on the 2028–2034 EU budget progress.
