Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed Members of the European Parliament, Mr. Brunner, Mr. Hoedemaker, fellow advocates for the sustainable use of natural resources,

Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in the history of bird conservation and sustainable hunting in Europe.

Twenty years ago, one of my predecessors, Margot Wallström, was present at the signing of an agreement between BirdLife International and FACE, marking a major shift in the relationship between the hunting and conservation communities.

And here we are today, twenty years later. What a remarkable achievement!

Through your collective efforts, we have found common ground on biodiversity restoration, cherishing and preserving nature, and acknowledging the EU Birds Directive as the foundation for both organizations commitments.

Over the past twenty years, the agreement has borne fruit in many ways.

It has promoted a culture of responsible hunting practices among hunters.

It has supported the classification, designation, and management of Natura 2000 sites.

It has promoted the development of management plans for bird species in unfavorable conservation status.

Simply put, it facilitated cooperation and dialogue between hunters and conservation communities, leading to a greater understanding and respect for each others perspectives.

I am pleased to see that you have found ways to co-exist in the same space. Both your organizations spend the same amount of time in nature, although you engage in different activities. The Commission lauds you and supports your efforts in this!

In recent years, during the difficult negotiations on the Nature Restoration Regulation, this agreement showed that the hunting and conservation communities have more in common than before.

Your tireless efforts to help reach an agreement between the co-legislators have made a great difference.

I would also like to commend your constructive engagement in the work of the Commissions Task Force on the recovery of birds over the past 5 years. You are among the most active members of the Task Force.

Despite the successes, much remains to be done. Many bird species in Europe remain threatened or endangered, and habitat destruction and degradation continue to pose significant threats to bird populations.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of the BirdLife and FACE agreement over the past twenty years.

Challenges will always remain, but we are stronger when working together.

Let us not forget that nature conservation is key for our well-being and for our global economy.

Nature does not come for free.

We have to nurture it.

We have to make it thrive.

It is something we all need and appreciate, even if we do so in different ways. In Flatruet in Sweden, where I have my cabin, I enjoy walking across the vast land of ravines dating back to the end of the ice age, feeling the cold air on my skin and catching a glimpse of the reindeer. Here in Brussels, I have had to adapt to a much smaller area; but I love going for a run in the beautiful Bois de la Cambre.

Nature is crucial for each and every one of us; the policy makers, the entrepreneurs, the citizens, the farmers, the foresters, the hunters, the conservationists, the bankers, our children.

Let us continue to build bridges between the public, policymakers, and stakeholders to foster understanding and support for nature, and both sustainable hunting and conservation efforts.

Thank you!