EU-level soil policies
Here, we provide an outline of two key EU policies relating to soils:
1. EU Soil Monitoring Law
2. EU Soil Strategy for 2030
EU Soil Monitoring Law
Proposed legislation establishing a common EU framework for soil health monitoring (final vote in European Parliament on 20 October 2025).
Find out more by clicking here.
- By 2028, all Member States must establish national soil monitoring systems.
- By 2050, ensure that all EU soils are in healthy condition.
- Require reporting every 5 years on soil health indicators (e.g., erosion, organic carbon, sealing).
Policy significance: Introduces binding soil health monitoring across the EU, directly influencing CAP compliance and restoration measures.
Soil Monitoring Law (image credit: EU Mission Soil Platform)
EU Soil Strategy for 2030
The EU Soil Strategy for 2030 sets a long-term vision to ensure all EU soils are healthy by 2050 and resilient to climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification.
Click here to find out more.
Relevant objectives and targets:
- By 2028, all Member States must establish national soil monitoring systems.
- By 2050, ensure that all EU soils are in healthy condition.
- Require reporting every 5 years on soil health indicators (e.g., erosion, organic carbon, sealing).
Wider Policy resources
Pilot area sites: In addition to examining efforts to combat desertification on an EU-level, policy-related work is also happening in the TERRASAFE pilot areas. Here, we are examining the national and regional policies addressing the drivers and impacts of desertification in their area, and the enablers required to scale up our innovations and ensure their broader adoption. Stay tuned for more findings.
