Nearly 200,000 Europeans have urged the European Commission to maintain and strengthen existing environmental protections, opposing proposals that could weaken EU nature laws. The public response follows the Commission’s Call for Evidence launched in late July, which invited feedback on reducing administrative burdens within environmental legislation.
The Call for Evidence is part of the EU’s broader “simplification” agenda aimed at cutting red tape for businesses through faster decisions, fewer steps and clearer rules. Environmental groups warn that the approach could dismantle safeguards designed to protect ecosystems, public health and biodiversity. The Commission is expected to review the feedback and present its environmental Omnibus by the end of 2025.
Massive Public Mobilisation
In just 10 days, 196,118 messages were submitted under the #HandsOffNature campaign, coordinated by BirdLife Europe, ClientEarth, the European Environmental Bureau and WWF EU. The campaign urged citizens to oppose any rollback of protections and highlighted the need for stronger implementation and enforcement of EU laws.
The messages stressed the importance of defending existing safeguards to protect future generations, prevent deforestation, reduce water pollution and uphold progress made under EU nature legislation. Organisers said the mobilisation reflects growing public concern about the potential weakening of environmental frameworks.
Environmental Groups Respond
“EU citizens are standing up for nature, and their message to the European Commission is loud and clear: keep your hands off nature and the laws that protect us. Europe’s nature laws are making a real impact, delivering innovation and legal certainty. We need stronger implementation and enforcement, not dismantling or weakening. By continuing to undermine these laws, the EU would not only defy the will of its people but also jeopardise our public health and future,” said the #HandsOffNature coalition in a joint statement.
Next Steps for the Commission
The Commission is now expected to assess the input received and address it in the upcoming Omnibus legislative package. The proposal is set to be presented by the end of 2025, with environmental organisations closely monitoring the process to ensure protections are not diluted. The debate underscores the tension between easing regulatory burdens for businesses and maintaining strong environmental safeguards within the EU.
