Portugal still fined daily over unfinished conservation zones

Portugal is paying around 750 euros per day for each Special Conservation Zone (ZEC) still not finalised, part of a penalty imposed by the EU Court of Justice in March for failing to protect Natura 2000 habitat sites. Three of 61 ZEC remain pending: Serra da Estrela, Sado and Alvito/Cuba, all at different stages of the legislative process. The court also fined Portugal 10 million euros for long-standing non-compliance with the Habitats Directive. The government says it has accelerated the process since 2024 and expects to complete it by the end of this year.