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EU Policy

EU policy is at the heart of nature conservation, climate change and sustainable development efforts across Europe. It not only impacts the region but has influences beyond its borders.

With strong policies that are implemented effectively, the EU can lead the way on the global stage to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

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Our presence in Brussels is particularly crucial as it enables IUCN to inform policymaking in collaboration with EU institutions and key stakeholders, and to connect with Members and partners across Europe. Over the years, IUCN Europe has built close relationships with the EU institutions, Member States, as well as NGOs, socio-economic and industry representatives and other IUCN Members and partners.  

IUCN is actively working to scale up conservation action across Europe to meet the 2030 targets set out in the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Through our tools and standard, we actively contribute to the development of policies on conservation 
and restoration of ecosystems, ensuring that policymaking is grounded in the best available evidence.

It's impossible to address biodiversity loss without considering the interconnected nature-climate global change nexus. The IUCN European Regional Office actively engages with EU stakeholders to support transformative
changes within key economic sectors that currently have major negative impacts on biodiversity.
We champion the transition to sustainable food and agricultural systems that are nature-positive, providing policy recommendations on critical issues including soil health monitoring, 
regenerative agricultural practices, and sustainable land management strategies.  

Spotlight on policy priorities
EU biodiversity policy

Nature conservation is at the heart of IUCN’s work. The Birds and Habitats Directives and the EU Nature Restoration Regulation are fundamental cornerstones of the EU environmental legislation, which IUCN strongly supports through its standards and tools. Furthermore, IUCN engages with all stakeholders to achieve the objectives set in the EU Biodiversity Strategy and for the swift implementation of commitments under relevant multilateral environmental agreements. 

EU agriculture policy

Agriculture plays a heavy part in biodiversity conservation and climate goals. Sustainable agriculture practices are essential tools towards food security and reversing declining biodiversity. IUCN works to align the Common Agricultural Policy with the transition to sustainable, resilient, and nature-positive food systems.  Ensuring ecosystem services functions delivered through sustainable practices, such as pollination or soil health, is essential to allow long term resilience of our food systems. 

EU water policy

IUCN supports a coherent EU framework rooted in the Water Framework Directive and related laws, and the new European Water Resilience Strategy, which prioritises restoring the water cycle, building a water-smart economy and ensuring clean, affordable water for all. We champion Nature-based Solutions alongside better governance, finance and cross-border cooperation. Working source-to-sea with partners, we aim to cut pollution, strengthen climate and biodiversity resilience, and secure water for people and nature. 

EU Environmental Budget Support

The European Union’s ambition for nature conservation and restoration is closely linked to the availability of financial resources to support activities within its Member States. The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) - the EU’s long-term budget - plays a central role in this effort, providing funding through various instruments and contributing significantly to the achievement of the EU’s international environmental commitments. The IUCN European Regional Office undertakes activities to analyze and address challenges that may hinder effective financial allocations for nature-related objectives.

The European Habitats Forum

The European Habitats Forum (EHF) assembles leading European nature conservation organisations to provide advice on the implementation and future development of EU biodiversity policy, including improving integration into sectoral policies. The IUCN European Regional Office act as secretariat for the EHF. 

Photo: IUCN