Scaling up freshwater restoration and Nature-based Solutions in Europe: an evidence-informed workflow (12/2025)

Key messages:

1. Freshwater ecosystems are critical for Europe. They underpin biodiversity, water security, flood protection, climate mitigation and public wellbeing, yet are among the most degraded ecosystems in the EU.

2. Upscaling restoration is essential to deliver EU priorities. Strategic freshwater restoration is needed to meet obligations under the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Water Framework Directive, the Nature Restoration Regulation and the EU Water Resilience Strategy, while addressing rising societal demands for clean water and flood resilience.

3. Restoration must be strategic and fit for purpose. Context-sensitive approaches that prioritise Nature- based Solutions, complemented by engineered measures where necessary, deliver the greatest ecological and societal returns.

4. Policymakers need ­ decision- ready tools. The MERLIN Upscaling Workflow provides an evidence-based framework to prioritise action, quantify benefits, and guide planning and financing. It is directly applicable for regional authorities, river basin managers and water boards.

5. Targeting the right places maximises success. MERLIN analyses highlight where protected freshwater habitats, including Natura 2000 sites, can be restored most effectively, supporting the effective implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation.

6. Financing must reflect the real value of ecosystems. Delivering restoration at scale requires more ambitious financing of restoration, creating conditions for large scale mobilisation of public and private funding.

7. Ambition on biodiversity is essential. Restoration must aim to realise full biodiversity potential and explicitly manage synergies and trade-offs, especially where multiple policy objectives and legal protections intersect.