1.1 State of Europe’s biodiversity

This briefing covers the status of terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity in Europe. It also covers the key pressures they are subjected to. Across ecosystems, biodiversity is affected by key drivers of change linked to land and sea use, resource overexploitation, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change.

Pollution, protected areas and how climate change impacts ecosystems are covered in other briefings (see briefings 1.2 Pollution of ecosystems, 1.3 Protected areas and 1.5 Ecosystems and climate impacts, respectively).

Key policies

The status of terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity in Europe is assessed under several EU directives, namely the Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. These directives contribute to the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 and Eighth Environment Action Programme. The new Nature Restoration Regulation creates opportunities to restore ecosystems and habitats. It will provide information in this regard after national restoration plans are released in 2026.

Past trends (10-15 years)

Deteriorating trends/developments dominate

The state of biodiversity in Europe is declining. An assessment of the state of nature shows that 81% of habitats, 39% of birds and 62% of non-bird species of community interest are in a poor or bad state (Figure 1), with a decreasing trend for the majority of these. In 2021, 38% of rivers, lakes, and transitional and coastal waters achieved a good or high ecological status; this share has changed little since 2010 (Figure 2). A high proportion of marine mammals, fish, birds and habitats are not in a good state, and marine ecosystems continue to deteriorate (Figure 3). The lack of improvement in all realms is due to human pressure. Habitat degradation is prevalent, reflecting the high intensity of land and sea use, as well as the over-exploitation of water, fish and other resources, as well as detrimental practices such as trawling. Pollution, such as nutrients and pesticides from agriculture, has had a negative effect on all ecosystems. Climate change and invasive species are further exacerbating the existing pressures.

Outlook (10-15 years)

Deteriorating trends/developments are expected to dominate

The outlook for the near future looks bleak. Previous targets set for ecosystem recovery were not met and the pressures are still high(see briefing 1.6 Land use and land take). Surface waters' natural flow and physical features are still altered by many human activities, including flood protection, agriculture and barriers. An increasing area of Europe’s seas is necessary for the development of the ‘blue economy’, including offshore energy. This strategic activity requires a holistic, cross-sectoral, maritime and ecosystem-based planning approach to manage the growing pressures. Measures to improve the state of species and restore habitats require time and resources. Existing policy measures, such as effective protection and restoration measures, should be actively implemented to achieve results.

Prospects of meeting policy targets, 2030/2050

2030 Largely not on track to meet targets

The Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive require continued improvement for protected species and their habitats (next reporting deadlines in 2025 and 2031). The Water Framework Directive requires surface and groundwaters to be in good status by 2015, with a possible delay up to 2027. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires ‘good environmental status’ to be achieved by 2020, which was missed for most marine areas and therefore needs to be achieved as soon as possible. The prospects of meeting these policy targets seems unlikely if human pressures are not alleviated, especially as climate change is exacerbating these pressures. Effectively implementing protection and restoration measures, including reaching the new Nature Restoration Regulation goal to put in place effective and area-based restoration measures on at least 20% of EU land and sea by 2030, could improve the prospects.

2050 No specific policy targets

There is no information yet on which an assessment can be made as to whether the targets of the Nature Restoration Regulation are expected to be met, since the first national restoration plans will be submitted only in 2026.

Robustness

Short-term trends for all ecosystems are supported by several indicators, regular Member State reporting under EU directives (Habitats, Birds, Water Framework and Marine Strategy Framework directives, alongside other water legislation) and expert judgement (freshwater assessment to 2050). The bad state of terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems is well-documented and the indicators corroborate a negative outlook.

Long-term risks are harder to describe. Until 2024 there were no legally-binding numerical targets in Europe for restoring nature. Trajectories for 2050 will only be visible after the first implementation reports of the Nature Restoration Regulation are submitted in 2028.

Charts/maps

Figure 1. Conservation status of protected habitats (left) and species (right) at EU level, 2013-2018

Figure 2. Ecological status of surface waters in the EU-27

Figure 3. Status of marine biodiversity and habitats reported in 2018