Natur&ëmwelt Calls for Increased EU Funding for Nature Restoration

On Wednesday 12 March 2025, natur&ëmwelt, a leading nature conservation NGO in Luxembourg, reported that it recently sent a letter addressed to Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, and Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, emphasising the need for long-term security and the expansion of European financial resources dedicated to nature restoration.

In the letter, dated 26 February 2025, the presidents of Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur (Patrick Losch) and natur&ëmwelt (Roby Biwer) specifically highlighted the importance of the LIFE programme, which has supported numerous nature conservation projects in Luxembourg. In times of climate and biodiversity crises, the NGO stressed the urgent need for increased resources for nature and environmental protection to ensure a secure and resilient society.

"The debate on the budget beyond 2027 has begun, with the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) likely to prioritise security and competitiveness. At the same time, the climate and biodiversity crises have become increasingly evident, marked by large-scale wildfires, major floods and droughts across Europe," natur&ëmwelt said in its statement.

Currently, the LIFE programme is the only dedicated funding mechanism for nature, representing less than 1% of the total EU budget. Despite its limited share, it remains highly effective and should therefore be continued, the NGO argued. This is considered particularly relevant given the significant investments required to implement the Nature Restoration Law and the fact that the overall target of allocating 10% of the budget to biodiversity by 2026 is not on track to be met, noted the signatories of the letter.

Natur&ëmwelt also urged support for dedicated funding for nature restoration, both within and beyond LIFE projects, in the next EU budget to promote safer, more resilient societies and a stronger economy. Several EU member states and numerous NGOs have already expressed their support for this initiative, and the organisation encouraged Luxembourg to join this effort.

IK