Simplification, the EU’s new buzzwordLet’s pause a second on that word: ‘simplification’. Worse, it guts a cornerstone of EU nature funding: the LIFE programme, the flagship fund for conservation projects with real, measurable impact across Europe. No nature, no foodAlongside the budget, the Commission also set out its vision for agriculture beyond 2027. Energy & Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has promised to ‘fundamentally slash’ permitting times for renewables to help meet EU climate goals. By linking nature restoration and clean energy, the EU can tackle climate change while protecting biodiversity.