Brussels opens consultation on core EU nature protection laws

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the EU's flagship nature protection laws—the Birds and Habitats Directives—amid broader efforts to streamline regulations. Environmental groups have raised concerns that the directives could be dismantled or significantly weakened as part of the Commission's regulatory simplification agenda. The consultation marks the first formal step in a review process that could reshape Europe's approach to biodiversity protection and habitat conservation across member states.