The purpose of this stress test is to assess whether the directives remain fit to achieve their objectives in a cost-efficient way, including by identifying opportunities to reduce disproportionate. The stress test follows the 2016 Fitness Check of the two directives and draws mainly on information and evidence collected through a targeted consultation of Member States and stakeholders, structured interviews as well as an open public consultation.
The issues that are explored through the stress test are grouped around three main topics:
- Application of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, with a focus on 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.
The ‘reality check’ event on 21 September 2026 aims to consult stakeholders from (1) industry, infrastructure and business, (2) nature users (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, hunting, tourism, etc.), (3) environmental NGOs and (4) institutional stakeholders (implementing agencies, international conventions, etc) on the preliminary findings of the stress test. To collect their views on the most appropriate solutions. A background document with a summary of the preliminary findings will be distributed to all participants ahead of the event.
The feedback collected from the stakeholders during the event will feed into the final stress test report, to be published before the end of 2026.
The European Committee of the Regions is hosting the event but is not responsible for its content.
Venue
European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
Conference room JDE 51, 5th floor of JDE-Bâtiment Jacques Delors
Rue Belliard 101, B-1040, Brussels