Building on the momentum created by the negotiations on the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRL) as well as by the overall successful outcome of the biodiversity summit COP15, the think tank network "Think Sustainable Europe" (TSE) met with EU Environment Commissioner Sinkevičius. As part of TSE, Ecologic Institute presented key recommendations on the NRL. These build on a series of policy briefs by Ecologic Institute and IEEP respectively, and were well received and aroused great interest both in the EU Commission and the European Parliament.

Together with colleagues from IEEP, Stockholm Environment Institute, IDDRI and TMG, Camilla Bausch of Ecologic Institute discussed issues relating to the NRL, pesticides, food security, as well as the social dimensions of change with the Commissioner. The effects of the outcomes of COP15 on the dynamics in the EU were brought into particular focus, especially in terms of restoration, linkages with marine issues and marine protected areas (MPAs), and – more generally – the Farm to Fork strategy. TSE emphasized the importance of providing guidance to member states on NRL implementation, funding, and monitoring. The series of policy briefs exploring the benefits of nature restoration was published by Ecologic Institute and IEEP as part of the TSE served as the basis for the debate.

Ecologic Institute is one of the founding members of TSE. TSE brings together 13 leading sustainability think tanks from across Europe in a meaningful collaboration. By merging insights, analyses and expertise from various countries and policy fields, TSE provides recommendations for European decision-makers. This year, SEI will host the flagship conference Think2030 in Stockholm to provide input for the Swedish EU Presidency. Details on the conference will be announced soon.