Work

Interpretation of the EU Nature Restoration Law: from pieces of a puzzle to a complete picture

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Regulation 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024, aiming at “the long‐term and sustained recovery of biodiverse and resilient ecosystems across the Member States' land and sea areas through the restoration of degraded ecosystems” is absolutely fundamental for Europe and for the rest of the world. Until 2027, and in the successive implementation periods of 2030, 2040, and 2050, the quality of restoration will largely depend on the ambition of legal interpretation. A minimalist interpretation can strike down the law and reduce its expected impact to nearly nothing. However, there are strong legal grounds to advocate in favor of a systemic interpretation. Rooted in arguments of comparison, coherence, and consistency, this article aims to demonstrate that systemic interpretation is the only viable hermeneutics respecting the rationale, legal context, and fundamental mandate of the Nature Restoration Law and consequently delivering effective long‐term restoration.

Source: Restoration Ecology

DOI: 10.1111/rec.70318

Authors: Alexandra Aragão, Karin van de Braak

Institution: University of Coimbra

Language: English

Topic: Environmental law and policy

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,300