HAVET & VANHUFFEL – Association d’avocats
The European Commission adopted new official guidelines on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, intended to guide Member States in the implementation of the Natura network in response to the growing pressures of climate change.
This document specifies how the provisions of the Birds and Habitats Directives apply to the designation and management of Natura 2000 sites in the context of climate change impacts, and provides recommendations on practical adaptation measures as well as an adaptation framework for climate change, aimed at Natura 2000 site managers, national authorities, and stakeholders responsible for the conservation of habitats and species.
Based on the observation that Europe is warming at a rate approximately twice the global average—exposing ecosystems, habitats, and species to increasingly intense heatwaves, droughts, forest fires, and floods—and noting that a large share of this biodiversity is under significant pressure, as recently demonstrated by the report The European Environment – State and Outlook 2025, the document updates previous guidelines (European Commission: Directorate-General for Environment, Alterra and Eurosite, Guidelines on Climate Change and Natura 2000 – Dealing with the impact of climate change on the management of the Natura 2000 network of areas of high biodiversity value, Publications Office of the European Union, 2013 : https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2779/29715), taking into account recent scientific knowledge and policy developments.
The recommendations contained in these guidelines are not binding and do not create new obligations. However, they provide Member States with the flexibility to adapt adaptation measures to national and regional circumstances. They are intended for Natura 2000 site managers, landowners, environmental authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the management of Natura 2000 sites.
To access the new guidance issued by the European Commission on adapting Natura 2000 sites to climate change, follow the link below:https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/guidance-adapting-natura-2000-sites-climate-change_en.