Public consultation as part of the ‘fitness check’ for EU nature legislation (Birds Directive, Habitats Directive)

Adopted in 1979, the Birds Directive is designed to protect all wild birds and their most important habitats across the EU. Its strategic objective is ‘to maintain the population of all species of wild birds in the EU at a level which corresponds to ecological, scientific and cultural requirements, while taking account of economic and recreational requirements, or to adapt the population of these species to that level’.

The Habitats Directive, adopted in 1992, introduces similar measures for some 230 habitat types and 1000 species of wild animals and plants — collectively referred to as ‘species of EU interest’. Its strategic objective is ‘to maintain or restore natural habitats and species of EU interest at favourable conservation status, taking into account economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and
local characteristics’.This consultation is designed to gather opinions on current EU nature conservation legislation (the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive) and its implementation to date, as part of the 'fitness check' that the European Commission is carrying out under its Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT).

The fitness check looks at whether the current regulatory framework is proportionate and fit for purpose, and delivering as expected. Specifically, it assesses the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and EU added value of the legislation. However, the fitness check does not consider possible future changes to the legislation. If required, this would be done in a separate impact assessment.

EurActiv, 13.05.15: NGOs fear 'better regulation' could hurt environment http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/ngos-fear-better-regulation-could-hurt-environment-314531

EurActiv, 04.06.15: 'Better Regulation' won't hurt environment, vows Timmermans http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/better-regulation-wont-hurt-environment-vows-timmermans-315114

EurActiv, 15.06.16: Commission research shows Nature Directives don’t need ‘better regulation’ http://www.euractiv.com/section/climate-environment/news/commission-research-shows-nature-directives-dont-need-better-regulation/

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