EU Policy
Our efforts for shaping and executing a better EU environmental policy
The EU is of great significance for the protection of biodiversity in Germany, and for combatting climate crisis worldwide. For example, the EU birds and habitats directives mark the binding foundations and standards for nature and species conservation in all 27 EU member states. The EU's “Natura 2000 network” is one of a kind – worldwide. Many of its designated protected areas, however, require better management.
For mitigation of global emissions and to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels binding climate protection goals and directives are implemented across the EU. Two of its important directives are the EU-Climate Law and the Renewable Energy Directive, which enshrine binding EU-goals in energy and climate politics.
There is no alternative to joint and global answers to the biodiversity crisis - photo: Frank Derer
Therefore, NABU engages in Brussels, Berlin and on a federal level to make sure that environmental protection and climate mitigation are integrated and sufficiently funded. At the same time, it's imperative to reform the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP), energy policy, and subsidies that we deem damaging to nature's interests. We form strong alliances for this with our partners from the BirdLife International network.
Our work on EU level allows us to accelerate the slow implementation of environmental law in Germany. Together with our umbrella association BirdLife International, NABU has already successfully filed for numerous EU complaints that have led to either infringement proceedings by the European Commission or even rulings of the Court of Justice of the EU – for example, in the matter of designated protected areas for birds.
EU funds and programmes also are important for our work at NABU. Our federal and local organizations are participating directly or indirectly in many EU projects, mainly through the LIFE program.
Committed to our goals
NABU is the only German environmental NGO that works on all levels – from local projects all the way up to EU decision making. Being the largest member-based environmental association in the EU's strongest economy we bear a special responsibility for protecting the environment within the EU's borders and beyond.
Dr. Raphael Weyland
Head of Brussels Office
Raphael.Weyland@NABU.de
+32 22800830
“For NABU in Brussels I fight for an ambitious EU nature conservation and restoration framework and its implementation on the ground. For this, also participation of NGOs in decision making and the overall rule of law is important!”
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