WWF European Policy Office

😠 This can't go unnoticed! The EU pushes to lower the wolf's strictly protected status, putting political decisions over science. One of the biggest nature conservation successes in Europe, the wolf’s return from the brink of extinction, might be shattered very soon. In September 2024, EU countries endorsed the European Commission's proposal to lower the wolf protection status. Next week, the EU's proposal will be voted on in the Bern Convention meeting. The EU and other Parties to the convention will decide the wolf's future. But science does not warrant downgrading the protection status! The proposal overlooks critical facts:   🐺 Most wolf populations are still at risk as only 3 of 9 wolf sub-populations in Europe are “Least Concern” (IUCN 2022)  📈 EU data shows the wolf has a favourable conservation status in only 1 of 7 biogeographical regions 🌍 With just 1 wolf per 218 km², their presence is far from overwhelming in Europe’s vast landscapes If the EU manages to downgrade the wolf’s protection status without any scientific evidence, where does it leave us? It would put into question the EU’s evidence-based policymaking, our commitment to tackling biodiversity and climate crises, and decades of efforts in the area of nature conservation. This can't go unnoticed! 

Opinion: More than buzzwords—the true impact of ‘simplifying’ the Green Deal

Supporting the EU Green Deal = supporting European businesses. In the midst of talks of “simplification” regarding files that currently provide certainty, guidance, and stability to businesses, 59 leading companies made a statement: the EU must remain committed to its climate and environmental agreements, helping businesses build a sustainable and resilient future. 🌍💼 Read more on The Parliament: https://lnkd.in/e8As_6pS #WeHadADeal

🌳 EU Member States support EUDR against Parliament attack 🌳 Today, EU Member States took a clear stance to reject attempts by the European Parliament, driven by the EPP group, to undermine the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and to open the gates for deregulation. In a decisive move during the Coreper meeting of EU ambassadors, Member States refused to reopen negotiations on the EUDR’s legal text with the European Parliament, limiting discussions to the potential postponement of its application for businesses, as proposed by the European Commission. WWF emphasises the urgency of implementing the EUDR without further delays. “Today, Member States sent a strong message to the European Parliament: attempts to weaken the EUDR are unacceptable. Delaying its application by even one year already risks exacerbating global deforestation. Any additional postponement and weakening would lead to further destruction, with devastating consequences for forests, our climate and biodiversity,” said Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, Forest Manager at the WWF European Policy Office. As businesses in the EU prepare for the regulation’s application, WWF urges policymakers to prioritise swift implementation. The EUDR represents a critical tool for addressing the global deforestation crisis, and a weakened law would undermine the EU’s leadership in sustainable trade and climate action. Schulmeister-Oldenhove added, ”We expect the Council to stick with its decision of today during the negotiations with the European Parliament. It’s time to end this unnecessary drama and get on with the EUDR implementation.” Our reaction: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ejF3ifQJ #EUDR #WeHadADeal #Together4Forests

💔 BREAKING! EPP Group - with the help from the far-right - dismantles EU Deforestation law in chaotic European Parliament vote. Today, the European Parliament, driven by the European People’s Party (EPP), voted for amendments to substantially weaken the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) de facto deregulating and undermining one of the EU’s landmark environmental laws. By introducing a category of “no risk” countries, the EPP and its allies have effectively voted to enable further forest destruction both within and outside of Europe. This move is an unprecedented attack on: 🌳 Forests 🌍 Climate 💰 Forward-looking businesses 👯 Citizens 🤝 Trust in EU decision-making Our reaction: https://lnkd.in/ex-DmfN4 #EUDR #Together4Forests #WeHadADeal

🤔 Think that businesses hate the EU Deforestation Regulation? Think again! Many companies support #EUDR. They have invested heavily to prepare. They need a level playing field to stay competitive. They want rid their supply chains of #deforestation. Now. More than 50 companies - including Nestle, Ferrero, Michelin, Carrefour, Unilever, Mars, Danone, Tony's Chocolonely, Mondelēz International, Albert Heijn, Business for Nature, Barry Callebaut Group, Danzer, Lidl in Germany - have issued statements warning that reopening the EUDR risks disrupting compliance efforts. Who will now pay for their investments? 🌳 European Parliament: Stick to your commitments - reject a reopening of the #EUDR at tomorrow's vote!! #WeHadADeal! 🤝

🌍 EPP swings axe to world's forests, turning EU Deforestation Law into “dead tree” 🌍 WWF EU is alarmed by the European People’s Party’s (EPP) proposal to deregulate the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. With amendments that introduce a “no-risk” category, a two-year delay, and exemptions for traders, the EPP is undermining the very objectives of Europe’s only strong tool against global deforestation. As Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, WWF EU’s Forest Manager, said: “Citizens called for a strong law against deforestation, and the EPP itself voted for the EUDR in 2023. Today’s proposals show a disregard for both public trust and our climate commitments. Stripping away critical measures like traceability reduces the EUDR to a hollow shell. This is not the responsible choice for forests, the climate, or sustainability-minded businesses.” Forests play an essential role in combating climate change and protecting against extreme weather events, and EU businesses have already invested to meet the EUDR’s requirements. This is no time for delays or loopholes. 🌳 With a vote on these amendments coming up on 14 November, we urge the European Parliament to stand by its commitments to protect forests and uphold the democratically adopted EUDR. Protecting nature and our climate is in everyone’s best interest—citizens, businesses, and the planet. #WeHadADeal # Together4Forests Our reaction: https://lnkd.in/edg4E68X

🌍 EPP swings axe to world's forests, turning EU Deforestation Law into “dead tree” 🌍 WWF EU is alarmed by the European People’s Party’s (EPP) proposal to deregulate the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a cornerstone of the European Green Deal. With amendments that introduce a “no-risk” category, a two-year delay, and exemptions for traders, the EPP is undermining the very objectives of Europe’s only strong tool against global deforestation. As Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, WWF EU’s Forest Manager, said: “Citizens called for a strong law against deforestation, and the EPP itself voted for the EUDR in 2023. Today’s proposals show a disregard for both public trust and our climate commitments. Stripping away critical measures like traceability reduces the EUDR to a hollow shell. This is not the responsible choice for forests, the climate, or sustainability-minded businesses.” Forests play an essential role in combating climate change and protecting against extreme weather events, and EU businesses have already invested to meet the EUDR’s requirements. This is no time for delays or loopholes. 🌳 With a vote on these amendments coming up on 14 November, we urge the European Parliament to stand by its commitments to protect forests and uphold the democratically adopted EUDR. Protecting nature and our climate is in everyone’s best interest—citizens, businesses, and the planet. #WeHadADeal # Together4Forests Our reaction: https://lnkd.in/edg4E68X

🚨 Fossil fuels are a threat to financial stability! 🏭🚫 The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has made that crystal clear with their latest vote on capital requirements: https://lnkd.in/eGpg6Nzs Here’s why this matters: 1️⃣ Fossil fuel companies drive climate change 🔥🌡️ — but now, it’s also clear they are high-risk assets for insurers and investors, as these industries are incompatible with the green transition. 📉 2️⃣ EIOPA’s vote means taxpayers won't be left footing the bill for potential insurer bailouts due to bankrupting claims by fossil fuel giants. Now it’s up to European Commission to transform this into law. 🧑⚖️ 3️⃣ This is a big win for people and the planet! 🌍 By discouraging insurers from insuring or investing in fossil fuels, we’re one step closer to phasing out these high-risk, high-polluting assets. 🌳 ShareAction Reclaim Finance - ONG Finance Watch ClientEarth Urgewald

Over 60 companies and 180 NGOs agree: Europe’s green transition is well underway, and we can’t afford to stop now! Renewable and green technologies are powering the EU economy, bringing benefits to nature, society and businesses. They’re crucial for building a resilient, sustainable, and socially fair EU 🌿 💪 Environmental laws must deliver on their promises. Policy-makers need to stick to the agreements and implement the rules. Keep the Green Deal strong. Nature needs certainty! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e2ZqnPNJ #WeHadADeal 🤝