Natura 2000 at 30: World’s Largest Protected Area Network Covers 18% of EU Land as New Water Law Takes Effect
On Natura 2000 Day, 21 May 2026, the EU celebrated its flagship nature network of over 27,000 protected sites covering 18% of EU land and 9% of marine areas. The milestone coincides with the new EU Water Resilience Law that entered into force on 13 May 2026, modernising water protection standards across the bloc.