How Europe is interpreting Macron’s call for regulatory pause

While some back relieving Europe of the current ‘avalanche’ of regulation, others believe it is not the time to oppose a proposed nature restoration law and other emissions-cutting initiatives.

The furore created by French president Emmanuel Macron’s call for “a European regulatory pause” on environmental legislation is symptomatic of growing divisions in Brussels – and other regional capitals – over the speed at which Europe is moving on legislation to cut emissions and restore nature. And as the 2024 European parliament elections move closer, environmental law-making is becoming increasingly politicised.