2026: A make-or-break year for nature in Europe

Instead of providing long-term solutions, political instability is growing and short-term interests take priority over the well-being of people. In the EU too, environmental action is being pushed aside, and hard-won environmental gains are now questioned – undermining the foundations of the European project.

This backdrop makes our work more important than ever. The choices being made right now will shape the next decade for nature in Europe. Whether the EU strengthens its environmental leadership, invests in its resilience, or dismantles environmental protections is currently at stake. And the coming months will be critical.  

Here are the key political files we’ll be following and acting on in 2026. 

Where’s the money flowing? 

First things first: money. Negotiations are underway on the EU’s next budget for 2028–2034. This will determine how the EU invests its money over the next seven years and where political efforts and priorities are placed well into the 2030s.  

This isn’t just about spreadsheets. So far, EU spending has largely failed to deliver on its environmental objectives: there is a significant funding gap for biodiversity, and too much public money continues to be spent on activities that degrade nature rather than restoring it. Without dedicated, long-term investment, even the strongest environmental laws on paper will fail in practice. The next EU budget must support nature-friendly farming, restore nature, and help communities to adapt to climate change.  

But the budget debate is about more than just how much money is spent. It’s about what kind of Europe the spending choices are building and whether that is still in line with our values. 

And here, the picture becomes worrying. 

Deregulation dressed up as ‘simplification’ 

The EU is pushing a deregulation agenda under the banner of ‘simplification’ and competitiveness. Through a series of omnibus proposals – packages of legislative changes presented together – the Commission is reopening existing laws and weakening safeguards meant to protect nature, people, and public health. What is presented as cutting red tape is instead a systematic rollback of environmental protections.  

The Environmental Omnibus, tabled in early December, has already raised serious concerns. Key nature and climate laws are under pressure at a time when implementing them fully should be the priority. Shortly before the winter break, the Commission also presented the Food and Feed Safety Omnibus. Despite strong warnings from scientists and civil society, it includes measures like open-ended approvals for certain pesticides, weakening rules meant to protect farmers, people, and wildlife. 

Renewable energy and nature go hand in hand 

The push for deregulation is also clearly visible in EU energy policy. In 2026, negotiations will focus on measures to speed up permitting for energy infrastructure projects. This process would reopen the Renewable Energy Directive and risks further weakening of environmental safeguards. 

While expanding renewable energy is essential, weakening nature safeguards is not the answer. Poor planning leads to delays, conflict, and legal challenges. Getting it right from the start by embedding nature protection into energy planning speedup projects, builds public trust, and reduces risks for developers and governments. 

Our ocean at a crossroad  

The same deregulation logic is playing out at sea. In 2026, the EU will review two cornerstone laws that govern how we manage fishing, shipping, and offshore energy, namely the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Marine Spatial Planning Directive. Healthy seas are not a luxury. They support livelihoods, protect coastlines, and help buffer climate impacts. Instead of properly implementing these directives, reopening them is putting ocean protection at risk, wasting time needed to reverse ocean degradation. Time that we don’t have.  

This is where we draw the line 

We are not letting this deregulation saga go unchallenged. Together with environmental organisations, scientists, and citizens across Europe, we are pushing back against these attempts to weaken nature and health protections. Our message is clear: Europe does not need fewer rules for nature. It needs proper implementation of the rules already in place. 

The coming months will be decisive. As negotiations about the different Omnibuses move forward in the European Parliament and Council, we’ll keep the pressure on to ensure nature stays protected. 
Follow and support our campaign here: www.handsoffnature.org 

Deciding on the future of agriculture

2025 ended on a turbulent note. You may have seen recent footage of farmers protesting in the streets of Brussels, highlighting ongoing frustration over rising costs and uncertainty about the future of farming. These protests followed earlier demonstrations in 2024, which prompted a rapid political response. Rather than addressing the structural challenges farmers face, environmental rules within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) were weakened in 2024 and 2025.

This rollback did little to ease farmers’ economic pressures. Instead, it’s putting farmers and food security at risk as farming depends on healthy nature. This year, negotiations on the next CAP enter a critical phase as part of the wider EU budget discussions. This is an opportunity to turn things around: to support sustainable farming, protect nature, and help farmers adapt to climate change.  

Nature Restoration 

There are also some reasons to be hopeful. In 2026, EU countries are due to submit their first national Nature Restoration Plans (NRPs). These plans set out how each country will implement the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, the first EU law with binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, including a commitment to restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030. Our 2025 assessment shows progress, but success will depend on political leadership, proper funding, and public support. We’re counting on governments to deliver ambitious, high-quality plans that can make nature’s recovery a reality. 

Looking ahead 

2026 will be a defining year for nature in Europe. From budgets and deregulation to farming and restoration, the direction of travel is set now. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. With the right choices, Europe can still protect nature, support communities, and build a more resilient future. We’ll be there every step of the way, making sure nature’s voice is heard.  

Photo: Rollin Verlinde