Confederation of Swedish Enterprise’s position on the proposed Nature Restoration Regulation

On 22 June 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation on Nature Restoration. Swedish Enterprise has reviewed the proposal together with its member organisations and presents its position in the attached document.

Summary

• It is important to establish an appropriate balance between nature restoration and other economic and social considerations to meet all key societal interests and goals.

• There should be flexibility and possibilities for local adaption so that land that is being restored or has been restored can continue to have active land-use.

• Member states should determine reference values to reflect national conditions; it is also important that these values are comparable across the EU.

• Opportunities should exist for member states to set their own priorities and goals and make national and local decisions based on holistic perspectives.

• It is inappropriate for the Commission to specify in detail in the regulation which measures are to be taken; delegated acts should not be used to amend key sections of the regulation.

• It is vital that landowners and operators are consulted and that their views are considered in the planning and implementation of restoration projects.

• It should be possible to carry out nature restorations and measures that increase biodiversity on its own and not only when biodiversity reduces climate change; it is positive when synergies exist between these two, but this is not always the case.