Circularity can reduce the land consumption footprint and contribute to ecosystem restoration, whilst safe, sustainable and circular use of excavated soils can reduce pressures on biodiversity.

The European Commission has therefore launched an online public consultation on the development of a new EU Soil Strategy. This is the last of a set of public consultations on different ecosystems delivering on the specific commitments in the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

Healthy soils produce our food and raw materials, clean our drinking water, reduce flood risks and store huge amounts of carbon. They are essential for achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal, such as climate neutrality, biodiversity restoration, zero pollution, healthy and sustainable food systems and a resilient environment. However, our soils are degrading due to unsustainable management, overexploitation, climate change and pollution. This is why the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 announced the adoption of a new Soil Strategy in 2021.

Based on the Roadmap for a new Soil Strategy, the consultation seeks stakeholders’ input on challenges and opportunities regarding our land and soils ecosystems which deliver valuable services such as the provision of food, energy and raw materials, carbon sequestration, water purification and infiltration, nutrient regulation, pest control and recreation.

Through this public consultation, the Commission invites individuals and organisations to contribute to the preparation of the new EU Soil Strategy and share their views on potential objectives and actions. It will remain open for feedback for 12 weeks until 27 April 2021.