EU parliament backs biodiversity bill in close vote

The European Parliament on Wednesday narrowly backed a key biodiversity bill aimed at rewilding EU land and water habitats. European Union lawmakers adopted the legal proposal with 336 votes in favor, 300 against, and 13 abstentions. 

EU lawmakers and member countries will now negotiate the final text, aiming for a deal before EU Parliament elections in 2024. The Nature Restoration Law proposes to restore at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and repair all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.