EU makes substantial progress on biodiversity commitments, but faster action needed
Today, the European Commission published the 7th national report on biodiversity, which highlights the progress made by the European Union in delivering on its biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The report shows that faster action is needed to secure healthy ecosystems, clean water, resilient food systems, and a strong economy.
It confirms that the EU and its Member States continue to play a leading role in financing global biodiversity action. The EU is fully on track to double its international biodiversity financing to developing countries – in particular the most vulnerable – from €3.5 billion in 2014–2020 to €7 billion in 2021–2027.
The EU already has a comprehensive framework for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of ecosystems, including the Nature Restoration Regulation to restore ecosystems, habitats and species. In 2025, the EU took additional steps with the EU Water Resilience Strategy, the European Ocean Pact, the new Bioeconomy Strategy, and the roadmap towards nature credits. But, as highlighted by the report, Member States must also scale up implementation of EU nature legislation to ensure delivery of all EU targets by 2030. The EU has already provided support to Member States in implementing existing legislation, including through funding programmes. Today’s report will feed into a Global Review of Implementation at the CBD COP17 in October 2026 in Armenia.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall said: “This assessment shows that the European Union has put a strong framework in place to protect and restore nature, but it also makes clear that implementation must now accelerate. The Nature Restoration Regulation will help turn commitments into real improvements for people and businesses, from healthier soils and cleaner water to stronger protection against climate risks. Investing in biodiversity is not a cost – it is an investment in Europe’s prosperity, resilience and security.”
