R4 A10: Establish a European Right to Access Nature

From the forests of Sweden to the highlands of Scotland and the coastal paths of
Portugal, natural landscapes offer space for rest and reflection, cultural
connection, and environmental awareness. In Sweden the allemansrätt is a law
that gives everyone the freedom to walk, camp, and forage in nature, as long as
they do so responsibly. This right exists regardless of land ownership and is
based on the principle that nature should be shared and protected by all.
Equivalent laws also exist in Norway and Finland.

In much of Europe however such rights are limited. Access to nature is often
restricted by legal and private boundaries, leaving many people disconnected
from the landscapes around them. This weakens the relationship between people
and the environment and undermines efforts to build a more ecologically aware
and responsible society.

As Europe faces ongoing environmental and mental health crises, ensuring the
right to experience and care for nature is more important than ever. Everyone
should have the opportunity to connect with the land — not just for recreation,
but as a part of democratic life and environmental responsibility.

At the same time, this right cannot override the right of Indigenous peoples to their land, culture and livelihoods. In Sámi, for example, tourists have at times interfered with Sámi reindeer herding practices, for example by skiing too close to herds (Arvidsson & Fröberg, 2023).

Both the European Green Deal and EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 acknowledge
the importance of public access to green spaces. These commitments must now be
turned into concrete action. Access to nature must become a right — not a
privilege.

The Federation of Young European Greens therefore calls to:

• Establish a European Right to Access Nature that guarantees every person
  the right to move through natural landscapes, regardless of ownership,
  under clear environmental and social guidelines.

• Support member states in harmonizing national laws with this right, while
  respecting cultural traditions, ecological limits, and existing legal
  frameworks.
  
  References
  Arvidsson, F., & Fröberg, A. (2023). The future of the Sámi people in a developing modern world : A qualitative comparison of Sweden and Norway´s handling of Sámi land use and self-determination. DIVA. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1771584&dswid=-2919