In 2026, the European Commission is carrying out a stress test of the Birds and Habitats Directives. It is part of the European Commission's wider initiative on simplification, aiming to enhance EU competitiveness while safeguarding economic, social, and environmental goals.
The stress test aims to assess whether the directives remain fit to achieve their objectives in a cost-efficient way, including by identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary administrative burden.
The stress test focuses on the concerns and suggestions made by some stakeholders in the call for evidence for the Commission’s initiative on simplification of administrative burdens in environmental legislation, as well as those that emerged during the implementation dialogues with Commissioner Roswall.
The issues that are explored are grouped around three main topics:
- Application of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, with a focus on the appropriate assessment procedure for Natura 2000 sites;
- Policy coherence, stakeholder participation, funding support and governance (including monitoring and reporting);
- Species protection and derogations, and procedures for adapting the annexes to scientific and technical progress.
- Feb-May 2026Study to update the relevant findings and conclusions of the nature directives fitness check (from 2016)
Fitness check of the EU Nature Legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives)
- Spring 2026Adoption of guidance documents
on the implementation of species protection and derogations under the Birds Directive, on Natura 2000 and climate and on Natura 2000 and tourism.
- 12 May 2026Open public consultation and targeted consultation with Member States and stakeholders
- September 2026Reality check event with Member States authorities and stakeholders
- October 2026Implementation dialogue with Commissioner Roswall
- End 2026Report on the stress test