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Annual Report 2025

Editorial & content

Dear Sir or Madam, dear Friends of EuroNatur! There are moments when we realise that our relationship with the world around us is about more than mere usage or exploitation. I am sure that you, as a valued reader of our annual report, share this view. When a river is freed from the concrete beds it had been forced into and can flow freely again, shaping the landscape, and when ecosystems recover and formerly displaced species return, these are signs of ecological success and simultaneously the acknowledgement that we are part of a whole, not its owners. Today, this realisation is of greater urgency than ever. The pressure on Europe’s natural environment reflects a deeper-rooted problem: a crisis of responsibility. The way we live, conduct our economic activities and make decisions is inextricably linked to the rights we ascribe to the world around us, including other living beings and future human generations.

EuroNatur operates within this area of friction. Our commitment is based on scientific evidence and a code of ethics: nature has dimensions of value that extend beyond its economic and functional benefits to humanity. This belief motivates us to act consistently, transcending borders and adopting a long-term perspective. We have the courage to expose and vocally condemn actions that destroy nature. The 2025 Annual Report is more than just a record of our work; it is an expression of an attitude that does not settle for what is merely feasible, but instead seeks what is morally and politically right. May it encourage us to continue with determination along our shared path towards nature conservation in Europe. Yours sincerely

Prof. Dr. Thomas Potthast President of EuroNatur Foundation

2 Editorial 3 Orientation map 4 Europe's forests 6 Europe's rivers 12 European Green Belt 14 Bear, wolf & lynx 18 Europe's migratory birds 24 EU policy 26 Media & PR work 28 EuroNatur digital 29 Dealing with potential risk 30 Transparency 32 Economic situation in the 2025 financial year 38 Financial statement 39 Profit and loss accounts 40 Our funding priorities for 2025 48 Mission & vision 49 Our values 50 Organisation & structure 51 Donation appeal 52 A testament for European nature 54 Imprint 2

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Kerstin Sauer - Thomas Potthast

Orientation map This map is intended to provide an overview and orientation of the project areas depicted in the EuroNatur Annual Report 2025. The report illustrates the foundation's core topics and working methods by way of examples. It highlights specific successes or challenges in 2025. We are also continuously committed to the protection of Europe‘s natural heritage in projects that could not be presented in detail due to lack of space. A complete overview of all EuroNatur activities can be found in the chapter "EuroNatur’s project foci in 2025". Current developments are covered in the EuroNatur newsletter www.euronatur.org/newsletter-en.

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Cantabrian Mountains (Spain) Page 15 Knepp Estate and Storrington (Great Britain) Pages 22-23

Prypiat Stohkid National Park (Ukraine) Page 21

Liptov Region (Slovakia) Page 16

Vojvodina (Serbia) Page 19

Komarnica (Montenegro) Pages 8-9

Mavrovo National Park (North Macedonia) Page 7

Aoos / Vjosa (Greece, Albania) Pages 10-11

Numerous initiatives to protect rivers, forests, wetlands, and the habitats of migratory birds and large predators.

European Green Belt

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6 7 8

Graphic: Kerstin Sauer

Annual Report 2025

Europe's forests Transnational protection of primeval and old-growth forests Geographical location in Europe

Primeval and old-growth forests in the Balkans: Europe’s biodiversity hotspots.

Status

There are now only a few remaining primeval and old-growth forests in Europe. These are contiguous forest ecosystems that have developed over centuries without human intervention. They are veritable treasure troves of species diversity and important carbon pools. In the Balkans, many of these natural gems are falling victim to ongoing deforestation, partly because they have not yet been fully surveyed. Detailed mapping is urgently needed to effectively protect these forests and achieve the EU Biodiversity Strategy's target of granting strict protective status to at least ten per cent of the EU's land area by 2030. As part of the “Save Paradise Forests” campaign, EuroNatur has worked alongside local partners for many years to protect Romania’s threatened primeval and old-growth forests, achieving successes despite numerous challenges. Our work has also helped to ensure that an area of more than 4,000 hectares, including the 960-hectare Boia-Mica Valley, has been granted protective status. Furthermore, significant improvements have been achieved in the protection of primeval and old-growth forests. These include stricter protection standards in national parks, mandatory environmental impact assessments for projects affecting the natural environment, and enhanced monitoring systems for logging activities. As part of a strategy review in Romania, our focus for 2025 was the cross-border protection of primeval and old-growth forests in the Western Balkans through our “Forest Beyond Borders” initiative.

Objectives

Our aim is to map all primeval and old-growth forests in seven selected countries in the Western Balkans, both within and outside the EU. Using these data, we are working alongside our network of local partners to advocate for policy and legal frameworks that will ensure the long-term protection of these forests. 4

Annual Report 2025

Illustrations: Kerstin Sauer Photo: Ilir Shyti - Forests in the Balkans.

Although timber is considered an environmentally friendly raw material, its use endangers valuable forest ecosystems, particularly in Southeast Europe, home to some of the last remaining primeval and old-growth forests in Europe. In collaboration with local partners in selected Balkan countries, we are dedicated to safeguarding these forests.

Selected activities and achievements in 2025 Working alongside experts, we have created the first overview maps of primeval and old-growth forests, and have developed a scientific methodology to be used for the precise surveying and mapping of these forests on the ground from 2026 onwards. We have brought together a panel of fifteen high-level experts from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe to support our work. This ensures the scientific quality of our work.

Outlook Our long-term aim is to produce a detailed map of all primeval and old-growth forests in the Western Balkans. In collaboration with our local partners, we intend to gain permanent protective status for these forests. Partners: PPNEA, CZZS, CZIP, BIOM, BPSSS, CZU Funding: Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors

Photos: Karol Kalisky - Beech and limestone in the Velebit Mountains. Here, Martin Mikoláš, Siegmund Missall and Rhiannon Gloor (from left) explored primeval forests. The photo on the right shows them during an evening debriefing.

Annual Report 2025

Europe‘s rivers Save the Blue Heart of Europe Geographical location in Europe

Ecologically valuable watercourses in the Balkans: the blue heart of Europe.

The Blue Heart of Europe

Status

Although hydropower is widely regarded as green energy, it destroys nature, particularly in south-eastern Europe where some of Europe’s last wild rivers flow. We are campaigning for their protection together with local partners in the Balkan countries.

The wild river landscapes of the Balkan Peninsula are among the most biodiverse habitats in Europe. However, these landscapes are under threat: more than 3,200 hydropower plants are planned or under construction, with nearly half of them located in protected areas. More than 90 per cent of these projects involve small hydropower plants (with an output of less than 10 MW), which generate very little electricity. The consequences for both nature and people are devastating and irreversible. The pressure to act in response to planned hydropower projects remains high, particularly in protected areas. For around 15 years now, EuroNatur and RiverWatch have been working with local partners as part of the 'Save the Blue Heart of Europe' campaign to protect the Balkans' last free-flowing rivers. Since then, we have established a widereaching network at the national, EU and international levels.

Objectives

Our aim is to protect the last free-flowing rivers in the Balkans from destruction by hydroelectric power projects. Among other activities, we are campaigning for more large-scale river protected areas to be designated, following the example set by the Vjosa Wild River National Park in Albania. Information, photos and videos are available online at www.balkanrivers.net/en or on social media at www.facebook.com/balkanrivers and www.instagram.com/blueheartrivers.

Annual Report 2025

Selected activities and achievements in 2025 The environmental impact assessment process for the planned hydropower plant on the Komarnica River in Montenegro has been suspended, bringing the project to a halt for the time being. Significant media attention and widespread support from civil society and the scientific community have intensified political pressure, creating a tangible prospect for the Komarnica’s long-term protection. Our local partners used the suspension of the Skavica hydropower project in Albania to lay the foundations for future nature conservation work in the region. A three-day environmental camp marked the commencement of efforts to establish a youth network committed to the long-term protection of the Black Drin. North Macedonia has declared the adoption of an EU-compliant nature conservation law to be a national priority. This was prompted by political pressure from the International Nature Conservation Conference in Skopje, attended by a Bern Convention representative, among others. Meanwhile, mounting international pressure for reform has led the Bern Convention to decide to carry out a further on-site assessment in 2026 due to ongoing delays in re-designating the Mavrovo National Park.

Outlook In the long term, we aim to implement a sustainable regional development programme along protected rivers in the Balkans. Furthermore, we intend to assist our local partners in establishing themselves as national focal points for river conservation. Partners: RiverWatch, EcoAlbania, MedINA, CDE MES, DPRS, Eko-Svest, GARD, Qendra Network Albania Funding: 1% for the Planet, ClientEarth, Fondation Genevoise de Bienfaisance “Valeria Rossi di Montelera”, Holdfast Collective, Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung, EuroNatur’s donors

Photos: Bruno D'Amicis - Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) in Komarnica. Solutions4you - ‘White water = freedom’ is written on the sign that Jelena Popović is carrying. Together with Andrijana Micanović, she founded the ‘Save the Komarnica’ initiative. Matic Oblak - A river forcibly halted. The Piva Dam stands tall like a memorial. A similar structure also threatens to destroy the Komarnica.

Annual Report 2025

Europe‘s rivers No more delays: Komarnica needs permanent protection! Geographical location in Europe

Komarnica river in Montenegro, together with the gorge of the same name (Map p. 3, no. 6).

Status

The Komarnica River in Montenegro is one of Europe’s last wild rivers. Its unspoilt canyon ecosystems are home to rare and endemic species. Although the Komarnica is protected as both a nature park and a natural monument at national level, it remains under serious threat. Despite widespread criticism, the government is pressing ahead with plans to build a 172 MW hydropower plant in the Komarnica Gorge. Independent assessments show that the estimated construction costs have almost doubled since 2012, reaching around € 350 million at present. The power plant would however only contribute less than two per cent of the national energy requirements. Experts warn that the construction of a dam would cause irreversible damage to this unique biodiversity hotspot.

Objectives

As part of the “Save Komarnica” campaign, we are collaborating with our local partners, as well as a wide range of experts, scientists, and NGOs, to guarantee the long-term protection of the Komarnica and put a definitive stop to the hydroelectric project.

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Approval for the Komarnica hydropower project would not only destroy a national natural heritage site, it would also further erode public confidence in environmental policy decisions. Andrijana Micanovic, Montenegrin Ecologists Society

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Aleksa Popović

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Selected activities and achievements in 2025

Outlook

For the first time, the Komarnica issue was raised in the European Parliament as a key topic in Montenegro’s EU accession process. Meanwhile, our local partners have consistently participated in national consultations at the invitation of decision-makers. Consequently, the civil society’s scope for influence has increased significantly.

Our aim is to increase political pressure to ensure the protection of the Komarnica is a clear priority in the EU accession process. Furthermore, we are campaigning for the river to be incorporated into the existing Durmitor UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Our goal is to permanently protect the canyon from plans for hydroelectric power plants.

The documentary film “Komarnica: The Wild That Remains”, premiered in Podgorica in December. At the same time, a petition was launched, calling for the hydropower project to be stopped permanently and for the canyon to be incorporated into Durmitor National Park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This has sparked a widespread public campaign to protect the canyon.

Partners: CDE MES Funding: Holdfast Collective, EuroNatur’s donors

Photos: Milk Bulajić - What an experience! Jelena Popović loves exploring the wild beauty of the Komarnica from a kayak. Solutions4you - Kayaking on the Komarnica.

Annual Report 2025

Europe‘s rivers The Aoos/Vjosa Wild River: From Protected Status to Practical Implementation Geographical location in Europe

Aoos/Vjosa river in Greece and Albania, including its catchment area. (Map p. 3, no. 8).

Status

At 270 kilometres long, the transboundary Aoos/Vjosa River is one of Europe’s last wild rivers. Together with its almost free-flowing tributaries, it forms a unique, species-rich river network. The designation of the Vjosa as Europe’s first Wild River National Park, alongside the recognition of the Aoos as a protected landscape and natural formation in Greece in 2023, represent key milestones in international river conservation that we have achieved together with our partners. Meanwhile, the river ecosystem remains under threat. In February 2024, legislative changes in Albania removed key protective measures and paved the way for major infrastructure projects in protected areas, including in Vjosa National Park. While the government has pledged to reverse these changes by the end of 2027 as part of the EU accession process, this leaves a significant period during which potential environmental damage could be caused. Furthermore, the implementation of the existing management plan for the national park has been stalling.

Objectives

Our aim is to ensure the long-term protection of the Aoos/Vjosa catchment area as a transboundary wild river national park, to prevent the construction of all hydropower and infrastructure projects, and to work to ensure that existing management plans are consistently implemented.

Annual Report 2025

Photo: George Gounezos - Participants at the Transboundary River Forum.

Selected activities and achievements in 2025

Outlook

At the end of September, the Transboundary River Forum in Ioannina and Konitsa (Greece) brought together more than 130 participants from nine countries, strengthening Greek-Albanian cooperation and leading to the adoption of a joint memorandum of understanding on transboundary river protection.

Our aim is to advocate for deeper cross-border political dialogue between Albania and Greece, driving forward tangible steps towards establishing the joint Aoos/Vjosa Wild River National Park. Furthermore, we will insist on the consistent implementation of national park regulations to ensure effective protection on the ground.

The report on “Mapping Pressures in the Vjosa Wild River National Park” highlighted that the national park remains under pressure despite its protected status. It shifted the public debate towards the inadequate enforcement of conservation measures. A press trip generated widespread national and international media attention.

Partners: EcoAlbania, MedINA, RiverWatch Funding: Holdfast Collective, Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung, EuroNatur’s donors

Photo: Joshua David Lim - Aerial view taken by drone of the Aoos border region between Albania and Greece.

Annual Report 2025

European Green Belt Borders divide, nature unites

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Frosina Pandurska-Dramikjanin

Geographical location in Europe

Ecosystem network with an extraordinarily high level of biodiversity, forming a 12,500 km long corridor along the route of the former cold war-era Iron Curtain (Map p. 3). The European Green Belt connects eight biogeographical regions and 24 nations.

Watch this video to find out more about the EU-funded BESTbelt project aiming to empower women in rural North Macedonian communities and gain a deeper insight into Frosina’s work. enatur.org/1081

Status

Although the importance of the European Green Belt is recognised politically and it forms part of Europe’s Green Infrastructure, there has so far been a lack of easily accessible, tailored funding instruments. At a local level in particular, there is a shortage of funding, expertise, and human resources to effectively implement conservation projects. This puts small civil society organisations at a disadvantage compared to larger, more experienced actors. This is why the EU-funded BESTbelt project was launched in 2021. The initiative provides small grants to support civil society organisations in protecting biodiversity, restoring nature, strengthening environmental awareness and communities, and increasing knowledge of income generation options in the natural environment.

Objectives

With BESTbelt we aim to raise awareness of the European Green Belt and its particular significance in terms of nature conservation, European history and cross-border cooperation.

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Rural communities have a deep understanding of nature.

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I was really impressed by the diversity of landscapes I saw on my trip. It showed me just how beautiful the Balkan Green Belt is and why it is important to protect it. Petar Vanev

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Find out more about Petar’s trip and the southernmost section of the long-distance walking route along the European Green Belt on our website: https://enatur.org/1079 12

Annual Report 2025

Photos: Silvana Mielke - Frosina Pandurska-Dramikjanin; Petar Vanev (privat)

Selected activities and achievements in 2025 Eighteen BESTbelt projects were successfully completed during the reporting year, including one to promote sustainable land management in the Šar Mountains. This project strengthened cross-border cooperation between local communities, the national park authority, and local authorities in North Macedonia and Kosovo and aims at improving the protection of the Šar Mountains' valuable ecosystems. In 2025, work began on developing a European long-distance walking route along the European Green Belt. Stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea, the route was designed to foster sustainability and create added value for local economies. To this end, partnerships were also established with umbrella organisations representing European walking and mountaineering associations.

Outlook

The European Green Belt has kept up with the times by setting up an Instagram account in August 2025. Anyone interested in the scenic beauty and projects along the European Green Belt can now also use that platform to find out more. The channel already has over 300 followers. Will you be one of them soon? Instagram.com/europeangreenbelt

Partners: BUND Green Belt Division, BUND Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, member organisations of the Executive Board of the European Green Belt Association

The current phase of BESTbelt is expected to conclude by the end of 2026. By then, we will have successfully concluded all ongoing projects. The results of these projects will be evaluated at a pan-European closing conference in the summer of 2026.

Funding: European Union, EuroNatur’s donors

Photos: Petar Vanev - Remnants of the Cold War on the Balkan Green Belt Trail. Silvana Mielke - A woman from the Debar region makes woollen items featuring traditional patterns. Acorn / Jovan Bozhinovski - A shepherd in the Shar Mountains.

Annual Report 2025

Large carnivores under pressure Geographical location in Europe

Balkan Peninsula (from Slovenia in the north to Greece in the south), Slovakia (Liptov region Map p. 3, no. 4), the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain (Map p. 3, no. 1).

Status

The status of Europe’s three largest carnivores differs considerably. While the wolf population has grown rapidly in some parts of Europe in recent years, the situation for brown bears remains more precarious. The situation for the Balkan lynx, a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx that is threatened with extinction, remains dire, with currently fewer than 50 individuals remaining. All three species face major challenges, such as habitat loss and illegal persecution. Moreover, the political climate for large carnivores in Europe is becoming increasingly hostile, particularly towards wolves. In May 2025, the wolf's conservation status was downgraded at EU level − an extremely worrying development.

Objectives

Our aim is to ensure the long-term survival of bears, wolves and lynx in Europe. A key part of this involves our partner organisations educating and supporting local communities living in close proximity to these large carnivores. If humans and wildlife can coexist with minimal conflict, these species will have a good chance of survival, even in densely populated Europe.

Annual Report 2025

Photos: depositphotos / Giedriius - Brown bear (Ursus arctos).

For many years now, we have been working alongside our partner organisations and dedicated supporters to protect bears, wolves and lynx in Europe. We firmly believe that large carnivores deserve their place in Europe, even though living alongside them can be challenging.

Europe’s bears: Devastating fires and secured beehives Selected activities and achievements in 2025

Outlook

In the summer of 2025, severe forest fires destroyed around 11,000 hectares of woodland in north-western Spain, including important brown bear habitats. Thanks to the support of many donors, our Giving Tuesday campaign under the slogan of “Trees for Bears”, raised funds that enabled our partners at Fapas to plant 223 new fruit trees for brown bears, offering hope to bears in the Cantabrian Mountains.

The Tripoint Bear Project (TBB), a successful cross-border initiative involving EuroNatur and nature conservation organisations from Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, has played a key role in paving the way for a more comprehensive EU-funded project. The “LIFE DinPin Bear” project aims to protect the entire brown bear population in the Dinarides and the Pindus Mountains. A total of 21 partner organisations across nine countries will implement a comprehensive conservation strategy for brown bears in this region. EuroNatur will coordinate the project over the coming years.

A significant step towards achieving conflict-free coexistence was the installation of bear-proof electric fences at vulnerable sites in Serbia. These measures have significantly reduced the damage caused by bears. The active involvement of beekeepers in the installation process and the provision of training on how the fences work significantly strengthened their sense of ownership and confidence in cooperative solutions.

Partners: Fapas, MES, Ekosvest, PPNEA, Callisto, BPSSS Funding: Bernd Thies Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors

Photos: Fapas - Our Spanish partners are working tirelessly to ensure that the bears will once again have enough food to eat in future, following the devastating fires.

Annual Report 2025

Bear, wolf & lynx Wolves: Coexistence, not culling Selected activities and achievements in 2025 In our project areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina, we have successfully surveyed wolves using paw print casts, faecal analyses, camera traps and direct observation. This has enabled us to document numerous sightings, including packs. These methods provide important supplementary data to official hunting statistics, helping us to produce truly reliable population estimates for the country. Measures have been implemented in Bosnia-Herzegovina to ensure that wolves and humans can coexist peacefully, for example by installing electric fences. Another important achievement has been the initiation of institutional dialogue in the country. The fragmented legislation in Bosnia-Herzegovina currently makes it difficult to protect wolves, and our aim is to change this together with our partners. A notable achievement in Slovakia's wolf conservation efforts was the establishment of a statistically reliable population estimate of 75 wolves in Liptov, a crucial wolf habitat in the country. This figure contrasts sharply with the official estimate of 419 animals and shows that official records significantly overestimate the population. Extrapolation suggests that the actual population size across Slovakia is around 800 wolves, rather than the 4,500 stated in official hunting statistics.

Outlook It is essential to maintain independent annual population monitoring in order to ensure that wolf hunting quotas remain within sustainable limits and that the long-term conservation status of wolves in Slovakia is not compromised. Partners: CZZS, SWS Funding: Bernd Thies Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Aleksandra Anja Dragomirović

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People want practical solutions for living alongside wolves, not their extermination. Aleksandra Anja Dragomirovic, Center for Environment (CZZS)

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Lynx: Awards and PR Selected activities and achievements in 2025 The LIFE Lynx project (2017–2024) has won two prestigious LIFE 2025 awards. The expert jury recognised the international species conservation project, in which EuroNatur was involved, as the best in Europe in the nature conservation and biodiversity category. The public also voted LIFE Lynx as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. The Balkan lynx is a species that is threatened with extinction and urgently needs attention. In 2025, a travelling exhibition featuring photographs of this elusive animal was shown in various locations across North Macedonia and attracted large numbers of visitors. In addition, the high-quality brochure “Wild and Rare: The Balkan Lynx Story” was published during the reporting year. With informative texts, detailed graphics, and high-quality photographs, the brochure aims to raise awareness of the need to protect the Balkan lynx. Further public relations activities include a relaunch of the project website and Balkan Lynx newsletter (both in English). Please take a look and subscribe at balkanlynx.com/en.

In September 2025, EuroNatur hosted an event at the European Parliament, focusing on the role of the European Union in conservation efforts for the Balkan lynx. Representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations gathered in Brussels to discuss practical conservation measures and the challenges of cross-border cooperation.

Outlook The relevant authorities and lynx experts are to take forward the development of national action plans as part of the transboundary regional strategy for the protection of the Balkan lynx. The cross-border establishment of connectivity between the remaining key refuges of the Balkan lynx also plays an important role in these efforts. Partners: MES, PPNEA, ERA, Foundation KORA Funding: Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, EuroNatur’s donors and sponsors

Photos: Annette Spangenberg - A piece of street art by the Albanian artist Franko Dine on the façade of the Vasil Shanto Primary School in Tirana. arhiv ZGS - Gregor Danev (left), Director of the Slovenian Forestry Authority, and Rok Černe, coordinator of the LIFE Lynx project, at the LIFE 2025 Awards ceremony.

Annual Report 2025

Europe's migratory birds Ensuring safe migration routes Geographical location in Europe

Bird habitats along the Adriatic Flyway, which runs from North-Eastern to Central Europe via the Balkans to Africa. Numerous project areas in six countries of the Western Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.

Status

The annual bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon, but it is a risky undertaking for the birds themselves. In addition to natural dangers such as predators and adverse weather conditions, they face man-made threats such as habitat loss, power lines and glass façades. Furthermore, millions of birds fall victim to legal and illegal hunting every year during their journeys.

Objectives

With the help of our network of partners in conservation, we aim to reduce the illegal killing, trapping, removal and trade of birds in the Mediterranean region by at least 50 per cent by 2030, compared with our 2015 baseline. We are urging the national governments of the Western Balkan states to implement effective measures to stop illegal hunting. As progress in implementing these measures has been slow, the involvement of civil society is crucial in the fight against illegal bird hunting.

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Alper Tüydes - Blue Roller (Coracias garrulus).

During their journeys between continents, migratory birds are often killed or injured either by colliding with obstacles or by being unable to find sufficient resting places. Therefore, it is vital to provide comprehensive protection at every stage of their journey. With this in mind, EuroNatur and its partners are campaigning for safe migration routes in Europe.

Selected activities in 2025

Despite making firm commitments to protect migratory birds within their borders, most European countries are alarmingly far from achieving this goal. This was revealed in a study jointly published by EuroNatur and BirdLife International in May 2025. “The Killing 3.0” exposes the fact that most Mediterranean coastal states have failed to honour their promise to halve illegal bird hunting by 2030. However, the study also offers some hope, demonstrating that consistent enforcement by the authorities is having an impact. The study received widespread coverage in the national and international press (see Media and PR work). In 2025, all EuroNatur partners along the Adriatic Flyway documented illegal bird hunting, predominantly in the field but also in restaurants, at markets, and via online retailers. In the autumn of 2025, our Serbian partners at BPSSS carried out a large-scale monitoring campaign to uncover and report illegal quail hunting across Serbia. During the 23-day operation, 102 active electronic decoys were found. The police assisted in removing the decoys in several cases, and criminal charges were brought against at least one offender.

Important achievements in 2025

In October 2025, a ray of hope emerged in Southeast Europe. After many years of tireless work to combat illegal bird hunting, our partners at CZIP in Montenegro achieved an important milestone: the Montenegrin government has adopted the National Action Plan against the illegal killing, taking and trade of wild birds. The next steps will be to establish a national coordination centre and implement the plan of action. Our partners in countries along the Adriatic Flyway have successfully raised awareness of illegal bird hunting through traditional and social media. On some partner organisations' Facebook accounts, post reach doubled in 2025 compared with the previous year. In Serbia, for example, a highly successful campaign was launched to raise awareness of the illegal hunting of birds of prey using poisoned domestic pigeons, known as “kamikaze pigeons”.

Photos: evgenyiL / deposit - A sad reality in Europe: millions of birds fall victim to the shotguns of poachers; the day’s haul includes various species of duck and a woodcock. Karsten Hofmann - On the back of the pigeon’s neck, you can clearly see the spot where the poison was applied.

Annual Report 2025

Europe's migratory birds

Outlook

Our analysis of legislation relating to illegal bird hunting in the Western Balkan states is scheduled for publication in 2026. The report will highlight shortcomings in national legislation and set out tangible, country-specific recommendations for improvement. In collaboration with our partner organisations, we will support the report's implementation through targeted communication and lobbying efforts, encouraging government officials to take action. Partners: BirdLife International, BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, BirdLife Middle East & BirdLife Africa, VCF, Tour du Valat, BPSSS, HDZZP, Biom, Naše ptice, CZIP, PPNEA, AOS, DOPPS Funding: Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, EuroNatur‘s donors and sponsors

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Zydjon Vorpsi - A flock of pink flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) in the Vjosa-Narta Nature Reserve, Albania.

A lifeline for Europe’s rarest songbird The Aquatic Warbler is one of Europe’s rarest birds. Its song was once a familiar feature of the sedge marshes of Eastern Europe, but it is now at risk of falling silent. This is because the wetlands on which it depends have been disappearing for decades due to intensive use and drainage. The “LIFE4AquaticWarbler” project, which was launched at the end of 2024, aims to reverse this trend. Across five countries – from Lithuania through Poland and Ukraine to Hungary and Germany – roughly 4,000 hectares of peatlands and meadow habitats are being cleared of scrub and rewetted, thereby safeguarding their long-term existence. Additionally, numerous young birds will be relocated to revitalised areas to reclaim former breeding grounds.

The LIFE project to save the Aquatic Warbler protects far more than just this little brown bird as numerous other species of flora and fauna also benefit from the conservation measures. Moreover, rewetted peatlands store vast quantities of carbon, which is a significant contribution to mitigating climate change. An initial success was achieved in the summer of 2025 when more singing male Aquatic Warblers were counted in Lithuania than in any other year over the past twenty years. This is good news, showing that the conservation management measures in the Baltic state are already taking effect. Partners: BEF - Baltic Environmental Forum, Förderverein Naturschutz im Peenetal e.V., Landschaftspflegeverband UckermarkSchorfheide, OTOP - Ogólnopolskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Ptaków, USPB - Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Birds, Hortobágy Természetvédelmi Egyesület Funding: EU LIFE programme, Umweltstiftung Michael Otto, EuroNatur’s donors

Photos: Žymantas Morkvėnas - Nest with chicks of the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) is being relocated. Baltic Environmental Forum - A male Aquatic Warbler in Lithuania.

Annual Report 2025

Europe's migratory birds The Stork Village Network expands to Britain A little girl bursts into tears of joy when she realises that storks exist in real life and are not mythical creatures from children’s books: This anecdote from Storrington in southern England perhaps best illustrates what an incredible success story the return of White Stork to Britain represents, and just how deeply this achievement in species conservation touches people in England. After a 600 year absence, White Storks have returned to Great Britain. This is not a ‘happy accident’ but rather the result of human intervention. Isabella Tree and her husband, Charlie Burrell, have played a decisive role in this: they launched the Knepp Rewilding Project on their family estate of the same name, near the village of Storrington. Over the past ten years, sustainable grazing management, restoration measures and the release of flightless storks from Warsaw Zoo have laid the foundations for increasing numbers of storks from mainland Europe to settle on the estate. The tremendous dedication shown by Isabella Tree and her colleagues in successfully reintroducing White Storks to the UK was recognised by EuroNatur on 5 May 2025 when the Knepp Estate and the village of Storrington were awarded the title of European Stork Village. After many years, the ESVN initiative launched by EuroNatur has grown to include an additional community into the network. The award ceremony took place during the Storrington White Stork and Nature Revival Festival celebrations in the village of Storrington. “We are honoured we’re accepted into this network. We’re really excited to be working, collaborating with our new colleagues across the continent,” said Laura Vaughan-Hirsch, White Stork Project Manager at the Knepp Wildland Foundation, upon receiving the award.

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Anja Arning - Isabella Tree

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Storks can inspire people's enthusiasm for nature and birdwatching.

“

Isabella Tree, Knepp Wildland Foundation

Stork village gathering in Slovakia and nesting platforms in Spain The new member, Storrington, also made an excellent impression at the annual stork village meeting, which took place from 25 to 28 May 2025 in Buzica, Slovakia. Laura Vaughan-Hirsch gave a presentation on her experiences of successfully reintroducing White Storks to the Knepp Estate. Presentations and discussions at the meeting focused on the dangers faced by White Storks during migration, such as power line hazards and illegal hunting. During an excursion to the rewetted meadows near Buzica, participants could see for themselves the measures being taken to improve the storks’ habitat.

In the Spanish stork village of Malpartida de Cáceres, ten new, basket-shaped nesting platforms for White Storks were erected in the autumn of 2025 to replace the older, smaller ones. The first pairs of storks had taken up residence on the new platforms by December of that year; White Storks in Spain start occupying suitable nesting sites very early. Partners: European Stork Villages and their national partners in conservation Funding: EuroNatur’s donors, Akron Zoo

Photos: Knepp Estate White Stork Project - Very British: A White Stork guards its nest at Knepp Castle. Stefan Ferger - Drawings of storks by schoolchildren in Buzica, Slovakia.

Annual Report 2025

EU-Policy Securing more funding for nature in the EU budget In 2025, the European Commission proposed a restructured budget for the period 2028–2034. This new budget adopted a performance-based approach, focusing strongly on simplification and efficiency. While this shift brings opportunities, it also poses significant risks and an existential threat to the wellestablished LIFE programme. The integration of biodiversity across all policy areas is also being called into question. This is where EuroNatur’s practical work comes in. We highlight funding needs and opportunities in nature conservation and restoration, identify risks and opportunities, and propose appropriate solutions. An important political lever is the “Regulation on Nature Restoration” which came into effect in 2024, and the new obligations it imposes on EU Member States. These obligations emphasise the urgent need to increase funding. During the reporting year, we collaborated with our national partners on the development of a calculation methodology that determines the restoration costs at a national level in five member states: Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Hungary and Croatia. This report highlights the costs that member states are likely to incur and serves as a basis for ongoing budget negotiations. An additional approach involves engaging with stakeholders and exploring innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity through open dialogue with scientists and in workshops. A notable achievement during the reporting period was EuroNatur’s appointment to the European Commission’s Expert Group on Nature Credits. Outlook: The report on the calculation of restoration costs will be presented to the European Parliament in Brussels in 2026. A webinar on the future of the LIFE programme will raise awareness among relevant stakeholders of its importance for Europe’s natural environment. Geographical focus: European Union, Brussels, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, Hungary. Partners: Bankwatch, Zelena Akcija, OTOP, NSC, ERL, Green Liberty Funding: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change Mitigation, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, European Climate Foundation

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Konrad Funk - Medium-sized wine moth (Deilephila elpenor).

EuroNatur champions the interests of civil society and the natural world in Brussels. Our aim is to ensure that investment is directed towards achieving the EU’s major environmental objectives. During the EU's enlargement process, we s trive to prioritise EU environmental legislation in the Wes tern Balkans.

Nature as a factor in EU enlargement The expansion of the European Union is becoming more tangible, with the first Western Balkan states expected to complete the accession process soon. Montenegro is set to do so in 2028, followed closely by Albania. The way in which the Western Balkan states meet their obligations under environmental and nature conservation legislation is a key factor in this regard. EuroNatur uses concrete grassroots information to evaluate the effectiveness of current policy measures and the implementation of EU requirements in the Western Balkan countries, and to provide specific recommendations for addressing any detected non-compliances. Our activities have plugged a crucial gap in Brussels, with biodiversity conservation now higher on the agenda, particularly thanks to our Western Balkan Biodiversity Report, published at the end of 2024 (link to English-language PDF: enatur.org/9). We continued to promote this report in political circles in 2025. Events such as the one organised by EuroNatur at the European Parliament on the importance of protecting the Balkan lynx, involving many of our partner organisations, are also a key component of cross-border European cooperation. We are pleased to see that EuroNatur is now an important point of reference for the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Secretariat of the Bern Convention when assessing the situation in the Western Balkan states. A prime example of this is the

Narta Lagoon in the Vjosa Delta in Albania: For several years now, we have been informing the Bern Convention and the EU that Albania is breaching its obligations as a future EU Member State by building Vlora Airport within a protected area. This has resulted in tangible reactions and definitive statements from international bodies and institutions. The illegal construction work in the Vjosa-Narta protected area was just the start of a wave of destruction in Albania’s protected areas. To highlight this issue and propose solutions is one of our most important tasks in Brussels. Outlook: As part of the EU's enlargement process, EuroNatur will continue to collaborate with local partners to implement EU environmental legislation, particularly the Birds and Habitats Directives. Our focus is on achieving tangible objectives, particularly the safeguarding and expansion of protected areas. As a competent European voice, we contribute our expertise and NGO network to the debate. Partners: Our network of NGO partners in the Western Balkans Funding: EuroNatur’s donors

Photo: Annette Spangenberg - Construction work involving lorries and excavators in the Vjosa Delta nature reserve (Narta Lagoon, Dalan beach).

Annual Report 2025

Media and PR work

Riffreporter, May 19, 2025

Bird hunting and White Storks are attracting attention Illegal hunting along their migration routes poses one of the greatest threats to the survival of many bird species. Although countries across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East have committed to halving the scale of illegal bird hunting by 2030, they are still a long way from achieving this target. In 2025, the study “The Killing 3.0”, published by EuroNatur and BirdLife, received widespread coverage in the national and international press. However, a very positive bird-related story also emerged during the year under review, receiving increasing coverage in the press. This was the return of White Storks to the UK, subsequently leading to the Knepp Estate and the parish of Storrington being recognised as England’s first “stork village”.

Bird populations in Europe and neighbouring regions have plummeted to historic lows in recent decades. One of the main causes of the global extinction of bird species is considered to be excessive legal and illegal hunting. “The number of birds killed illegally each year remains unacceptably high,” says Justine Vansynghel, EuroNatur project manager. “For many migratory birds, this means death even before they can reach their breeding grounds.”

Mongabay, May 16, 2025

Most countries that pledged to reduce the number of birds being illegally killed […] in Europe and the Mediterranean region are failing to do so, a new report shows. For the report, conservation organisations BirdLife International and EuroNatur tracked the progress of 46 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, which have committed to the Rome Strategic Plan (RSP), a 10year goal to halve the illegal killing, taking and trade of wild birds by 2030 compared to 2020.

The Guardian, March 17, 2025

Now, after the white stork’s successful return [having had become extinct in Britain], Storrington and the nearby Knepp estate have been designated a “European stork village”. The accolade means the communities are now part of the European Stork Villages Network, a transnational initiative by the EuroNatur foundation to combat habitat loss for the birds. Together, Storrington and Knepp are the 16th place in Europe to be recognised as a stork village, and the first in the UK.

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Knepp Estate White Stork Project - White stork (Ciconia ciconia).

„

Thanks to the dedication of so many, we made a difference. Our success […] proves that change is possible even in a world where it often feels like your voice is not heard. […] This prize is a reminder that when people come together, they can make the impossible possible Besjana Guri

“Environmental Oscars” for Albanian EuroNatur partners On 21 April 2025, Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika from our Albanian partner organisation, EcoAlbania, were honoured with the Goldman Environmental Prize, the highest accolade for environmentalists. They received the award in recognition of their tireless commitment to protecting the Vjosa river. “Protecting the Vjosa is the first major victory for the environment in Albania,” said Ms Guri in her acceptance speech at the ceremony in San Francisco. In March 2023, the Vjosa and its tributaries were designated a national park, marking a significant achievement for EcoAlbania, EuroNatur, and the broader “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign. However, the river's ecosystem continues to face threats from infrastructure projects pursued by the government in Tirana.

“

EuroNatur webinar series launched Our aim is to inspire people to protect Europe’s natural heritage, share knowledge, and work together to take effective action to preserve our habitats. One way of achieving this is by holding regular webinars in which our project managers report on selected topics. We launched the series on “Giving Tuesday 2025” with a webinar on Spain’s brown bears, and further online presentations have already been given or are still in the pipeline. Stay up to date via our website: https://www.euronatur.org/en/ events.

Get to know Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika in this video: https://t1p.de/gmp

Photo: Anika Konsek - Besjana Guri Goldman Environmental Prize - Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika in front of the Vjosa.

Annual Report 2025

EuroNatur on social media Last year, we continued to use social media to share insights into our projects and working methods, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Comprehensibility and clarity:

We present our topics in a way that makes them easy for our followers to understand and relate to. To this end, we break down complex content into easy-to-understand components and publish short educational pieces alongside authentic insights into project trips.

Exchange and networking:

Instagram:

Social media helps us build an active and supportive online community and engage with people from many different countries. By posting contributions and substantive content together with partner organisations we also demonstrate our collaborative work and the connections we establish within the projects.

https://www.facebook.com/euronatur/

Topicality:

LinkedIn:

We provide updates on the latest project developments, as well as events, webinars and other activities.

Visibility and trust:

Annual Report 2025

https://www.instagram.com/euronatur/

Facebook:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/euronatur

YouTube:

Through continuous and authentic communication, we aim to raise the profile of the issues we address and strengthen trust in our work.

If you’d also like to receive up-to-date information, interesting facts about the issues we address and insights into our project trips, please follow us on social media:

https://www.youtube.com/EuroNatur

Bluesky:

https://bsky.app/profile/euronatur.bsky.social

Photos: Common quail: Marija Šoškić Popović; Wolf: depositphotos / waitandshoot; River: Nicolas Jehly; Forest: Siegmund Missall

Dealing with potential risks For a non-profit foundation, EuroNatur Foundation’s capital stock is relatively slim. Therefore the organisation is urgently dependent on donations and third-party grants so as to be able to discharge its mandate as an advocate of nature in Europe. We are aware of the fact that with this funding comes great responsibility and day in, day out we work towards using the funds as efficiently as possible. Due to differences in legal systems, language barriers and potentially greater corruption risks, the manner in which these grants and donations are passed on to partner organisations abroad is also a sensitive issue, one that is predicated on a very good network of contacts built up over many years. Moreover, a multilevel control system is essential for the correct assessment of and effective response to risks. Risk mitigation measures must also be adopted for capital investments.

Potential risks and the measures we take to avert them Financial and economic crises

The cost of living remains high for everyone following the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the consequences of the energy price crisis. When investing money, it is becoming increasingly difficult to strike the right balance between security and returns. The most important thing to guide us on this journey: EuroNatur Foundation invests its equity capital with the lowest possible risk and in accordance with ethical andecological criteria, whilst seeking good returns. In addition, reserves are built up to offset any fluctuations in revenue. To cover any write-downs that may be required on fixed assets, we have built up a special reserve for gains from transactions in recent years, which we use in 2025 to offset losses arising from extraordinary write-downs.

Lack of competent and trustworthy partner organisations

EuroNatur Foundation has very consciously not opted for a Europewide network of offices with full-time employees, thus eliminating considerable administrative expenditure. We are primarily concerned with cooperating with existing conservation organisations that are well connected in their local areas and are successful in their endeavours. In many countries of Southern and Eastern Europe, non-profit, independent conservation organisations are few and far between. The lack of competent and trustworthy partners limits our options. It is for this reason that EuroNatur invests in the systematic

development and strengthening of civil society in Southern and Eastern Europe. EuroNatur’s project work is always predicated on cooperation with a local partner organisation. If there is no such partner organisation in a particular region, it is reason enough for EuroNatur not to engage.

Misappropriation of funds

We have self-imposed strict rules on budgetary control. All outward payments are checked for mathematical and factual correctness. Payment orders are always subject to the “Two-man rule”. Target-performance comparisons are carried out on a monthly basis, allowing for swift detection of potential irregularities. Our 2025 annual accounts were audited by the independent auditing and tax accounting firm WISTA AG and endorsed with an unqualified audit certificate.

Inefficiencies and ineffectiveness in project work

We regularly scrutinise our internal processes, which allows us to continuously increase our efficiency. We also analyse the work of our partner organisations and work with them to find possible ways to increase their efficiency and effectiveness. Our partners’ statements of expenditure are checked by the project liaison person for factual accuracy and by the accounting department for financial accuracy. All statements of expenditure are submitted to the managing director for approval prior to funds being released. In order to increase the efficiency of our work we conduct staff development and training, in terms of both content and methodology, for ourselves and our partners on an ongoing basis.

Annual Report 2025

Transparency – one of EuroNatur’s important tenets DZI Seal of Approval certifies that EuroNatur operates to high standards

Every year since 2006 the EuroNatur Foundation has been awarded the DZI (German Central Institute for Social Issues) Seal of Approval for the trustworthy and reputable way in which it handles donations. The Seal of Approval certifies that, amongst other things, EuroNatur meets the DZI’s seven standards as follows: EuroNatur conducts its work in keeping with its statutes; the organisation’s management and oversight are adequately structured, clearly separated and are being exercised effectively; in our solicitation of donations and public relations work we provide information in a clear, truthful, factual and open manner; we openly and comprehensively report on our work, structures and finances; remuneration is paid taking into consideration the organisation’s charitable status, qualifications, levels of responsibility, and customary pay standards; the procurement and use of funding as well as the organisation’s financial status are traceability documented and adequately verified; the proportion of funds spent on advertising and administration in 2025 was at an appropriate level in accordance with the DZI standards (“appropriate” = 20 % to 30 %). The effectiveness of the organisation’s spending is monitored, and results are documented and published.

Initiative for transparency in civil society

EuroNatur has been a signatory to Transparency International Germany’s “Initiative Transparente Zivilgesellschaft” (Initiative for transparency in civil society) since 2010. Signatories to the initiative voluntarily commit to publishing ten particular items of information about their organisation on their homepage. These include i.a. their statutes, the names of essential decisionmakers, and information on how they are funded, how they use their funding, and their personnel structure.

Annual Report 2025

Auditing

In 2025, the EuroNatur Foundation once again enlisted the services of an auditor to conduct a voluntary audit of its annual financial statements. The auditing and tax accounting firm WISTA AG audited EuroNatur Foundation’s 2025 annual accounts in accordance with Par. 317 ff. of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and in accordance with the accepted standards for the review of financial statements as set out by the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany (IDW) and endorsed the accounts with an unqualified audit certificate. An extract from the audit certificate states the following: “We have audited the annual financial statements, consisting of the balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, profit and loss account for the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the Annex. Additionally we audited the management report for the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2025. In our opinion, based on the information obtained during our audit, the financial statements as attached are in all material respects compliant with the applicable requirements of German commercial law for all traders, and provide a true and fair view of the Foundation's financial position. In all material respects this position statement is consistent with the German statutory commercial law provisions applicable to all traders, and adequately depicts the opportunities and risks arising from future developments. Pursuant to Section 322 (3)(1) HGB (German Commercial Code) we declare that our audit did not lead to any objections as to the correctness of the annual financial statements or the position statement. June 2, 2025, WISTA AG, Mannheim“

Bild: Kerstin Sauer - View of Radolfzell, with its cathedral and harbour, from the lake.

Transparency Capital investment based on environmental and ethical criteria

EuroNatur Foundation’s foundation capital now amounts to almost EUR 8.46 million. Moreover, EuroNatur Foundation holds assets of more than EUR 2.17 million in trust for the benefit of three non-autonomous foundations. In keeping with the organisation’s philosophy, investment decisions are based on environmental and ethical criteria. Both inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied to these decisions. As a minimum, investment products are not considered if they invest in companies involved in nuclear power, agrochemicals, weapons, genetic engineering, pornography, alcohol, tobacco, the fossil fuel vehicle industry, the oil and coal industries, airline companies, or if they are invested in government bonds in nations practicing capital punishment, actively driving forward nuclear energy, or which are considered corrupt. Our main financial service providers for asset management purposes in 2025 were the Bank Vontobel Europe AG, Munich Branch, and the V-BANK AG in Munich, Germany. We manage a large part of the assets ourselves and since the summer of 2017 we have also consulted with an independent financial advisor on a fee basis.

System of remuneration

The Foundation is organised in three departments Conservation, Communication and Administration. These departments provide for the following functional levels: Administration/Communication I-III, Project Management − Assistance, Project Management I and II (Conservation), Policy Assistant, Policy Officer, Senior Policy Officer, and Head of Department. Remuneration bands have been set for each of the levels, extending 20 per cent either side of the mid-point. In 2025, the mid-point of the remuneration bands was as follows: Administration/Communication I: € 50k Administration/Communication II: € 54k Administration/Communication III: € 64k Project assistance: € 46k Project management I: € 59k Project management II: € 68k Policy Assistant: € 46k Policy Officer: € 56k Senior Policy Officer: € 68k Head of Division: € 73k In 2025, the Executive Director received an annual remuneration package of € 108k gross. Without exception all members of the Presiding Committee and the Board of Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and only receive reimbursements for cost incurred, but no flat-rate expense allowances.

Advertising and donor information

Six times a year EuroNatur Foundation sends out information to its donors to keep them in touch with ongoing projects and request support for concrete endeavours. Similarly, support for individual projects is solicited, and information provided, through the organisation's website at www.euronatur.org, the digital EuroNatur newsletter and emailings. In addition, regular donors receive the EuroNatur magazine four times a year as well as topical project reports containing comprehensive information and reports on current developments in the projects. In 2025, EuroNatur Foundation conducted its own donor liaison and fundraising. In addition to printers and EuroNatur Service GmbH, the following external service providers were commissioned for marketing and fundraising activities: Agentur Socialmind, Agentur Nerd Solutions, Agentur Neun GmbH, Agentur Deutsche Fundraising Company.

Impact monitoring and impact analysis

One of the most important tenets of EuroNatur’s work is the efficient deployment of funds entrusted to us by our donors and by the organisations (both governmental and non-governmental) that support our work. Systematic planning of activities and comprehensive impact monitoring are preconditions to the efficient use of funds. EuroNatur Foundation takes both a supportive and an operative role. For projects undertaken by EuroNatur in cooperation with its partner organisation, and which in most instances are in receipt of third-party financial support (from both governmental and nongovernmental sources), EuroNatur reports back in detail to the financial backers. Impact monitoring already begins at the stages of project development and project application. EuroNatur develops projects based on comprehensive situational analysis and needs assessments. Together with our partners we formulate the overall objectives and prepare project applications based thereon for the acquisition of funding from third parties. These project applications can only attract funding if the objectives are clearly set out and if activities are proposed that serve to meet these objectives. Evidence of the use of funds must include comprehensive evaluations of the achievement of set objectives as well as rationales for potential changes in or adjustments to activities or even objectives. In order to receive grants from EuroNatur, applicants must present cohesive project designs in keeping with the principles set out above. The partner organisation's reports are subject to comprehensive evaluation by EuroNatur and our project managers regularly visit the project areas to discuss the projects’ progress. Both positive developments and difficulties arising are assessed in order to allow for procedural adjustments to be made and to learn lessons for the future. Progress reports document project development up to the point of the projects’ completion. Annual Report 2025

Economic Situation „ Simply an average year

“

EuroNatur Foundation has emerged from 2025 in a stable position. In this interview, Executive Director Gabriel Schwaderer explains why reserves are so important, and discusses the political developments that concern him the most. What was EuroNatur Foundation's financial situation like in 2025? Financially speaking, 2025 was a fairly average year, with ups and downs. On a positive note, we received more donations than in the year prior. The above-average level of bequests is also worth highlighting. However, our financial result was not as positive as expected. Our financial yields were not fully sufficient to cover our expenditure for nature conservation work in Europe. To cover these additional costs, we used up some of our reserves. These reserves were built up precisely for situations like this, and we are now investing these funds judiciously in conservation projects. Where do these reserves come from? By 2020, we had built up a substantial balance of retained earnings. This was not an end in itself, but rather a buffer for more challenging times or periods when we aimed to invest more in projects. This is precisely what happened in 2025: we allocated some of these substantial retained earnings, which peaked at almost €3 million, to nature conservation projects.

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Gerald Jarausch - Gabriel Schwaderer

Donors form the basis In 2025, EuroNatur Foundation’s regular donors, sponsors and legacy donors continued to provide the financial footing for our tangible conservation efforts in Europe as well as for political lobbying, campaigns, awareness-raising and environmental education. Once again, EuroNatur also attracted substantial financial support for project implementation, primarily from private foundations and associations as well as from public sector funding in 2025, most notably from:

Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, Austrian Development Agency, Bernd Thies Foundation, German Federal Ministry for the Environment, ClientEarth, German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), DIMFE – Donors‘ Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems, Dr. Manfred und Gudrun Keim Fund, European Climate Foundation, European Union, Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, Holdfast Collective, MSA – Monk Seal Alliance, Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation, Fondation Genevoise de Bienfaisance, Lappat Fund, Ludwig Raue Memorial Fund, German Environment Agency, Umweltstiftung Michael Otto.

Many nature conservation organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to raise donations. Is this also true of EuroNatur? Firstly, there is a general trend in society towards fewer people making donations. However, those who do donate tend to give more on average. We are seeing this at EuroNatur, too. Furthermore, it is very difficult to attract new donors and inspire them to support our work in the medium and long term. We are therefore extremely grateful to all those who have remained loyal to EuroNatur for many years now. Bequests in particular are a sign of great trust in, and identification with, our work. We are very grateful to these donors who mean a great deal to us. Our aim is to transfer most bequests to the capital stock of our Foundation to strengthen EuroNatur's financial position. We achieved this in recent years, and again in 2025, increasing the Foundation’s capital stock to around €8.5 million.

Photo: Hans Martin Braun - Martagon lily (Lilium martagon).

Annual Report 2025

Economic Situation

Are there any particular features that stand out in the 2025 annual accounts? Annual turnover has fallen compared with the previous year; however, this is due to an exceptionally large bequest received in that year. In addition, there was a slight decline in external grants, which falls within the normal range of fluctuation seen in previous years. Consequently, we paid out slightly less in project funding, which also falls within the normal range of fluctuation. As I said, it was an average but stable year. So what would be the key to achieving above-average results? Having now spent the first year implementing our EuroNatur strategy, as well as the thematic and sectoral strategies derived from it, we can see just how expedient this approach is. The strategy provides excellent guidance for our day-to-day decisions, helping us to avoid getting bogged down in small issues that lack focus. Even after just one year, we can say that the intensive process of drawing up the strategy has certainly been worthwhile. I am sure that this tool will be of great benefit to us in the years to come. The strategy also embodies our aim to invest in the organisation’s advancement. This includes digitalising our processes and strengthening key central functions. Moreover, it includes promoting health and team spirit in the workplace, as well as supporting the personal and professional development of all staff members. The associated costs pose a significant challenge for non-profit organisations as there is hardly any funding available for such purposes. We are therefore very pleased and feel privileged that more and more major charitable foundations are recognising the importance of institutional support for the long-term, sustainable development of nature conservation organisations. These foundations are now supporting us in our advancement and will continue to do so for a number of years.

Annual Report 2025

Presentation of the Activity Report in accordance with DZI specifications The income and expenditure headings used for the purposes of this Activity Report correspond to the prescribed specifications as part of the guidelines for the DZI (German Central Institute for Social Issues) Seal of Approval. The headings therefore diverge somewhat from the customary breakdown set out in the Handelsgesetzbuch (German Commercial Code), especially in the profit and loss account. Amongst the criteria assessed by DZI are two important threshold values, i.e. the share of expenditure on advertising and administration to total relevant expenditure and the ratio of expenditure on advertising to total income from donations. For more information on the DZI’s Seal of Approval, see the ‘Transparency’ section on page 30.

So, what will be the main challenges facing EuroNatur in the coming years? The Foundation will even be celebrating a milestone birthday in 2027 when it turns 40. The outlook for the coming years is mixed. On the one hand, we are receiving significant support from our donors, as well as from foundations that are generously funding our work. However, the political landscape has also changed considerably. For example, the European Commission is seeking to scrap the successful and effective LIFE programme for environmental measures. This is a matter of great concern for us, as it would also have a direct impact on our work: EuroNatur is currently playing a leading role in the implementation of two LIFE projects. Without this funding, we will face significantly greater pressure to raise funds for the implementation of our projects − at a time when our responsibilities are actually increasing! Amid the intensifying debate on EU enlargement, particularly with regard to the countries of the Western Balkans, where we focus our efforts, we actually need to invest more resources there to ensure that during the accession process our most valuable natural areas are not destroyed in a panicked rush to avoid stricter oversight to come. This is precisely what we are currently observing, particularly in Albania, which still possesses many pristine natural treasures. However, we are pressing ahead with our work alongside a dedicated team and will not be discouraged. Interview questions: Anja Arning

Photo: Annette Spangenberg - Zvernec Beach in the Narta Lagoon.

Annual Report 2025

Economic Situation

A testament for European nature A further strengthening of EuroNatur Foundation’s asset base is of great importance for its independence and performance as a successful advocate for nature in Europe. The increase in the foundation’s capital creates planning certainty and independence. Endowments and bequests therefore provide immensely valuable support to us and are a great sign of confidence, confidence that we endeavour to honour with our commitment. In 2025, a large proportion of the revenue from bequests and legacies was transferred to the Foundation’s capital stock. This, same as the endowments received, has further strengthened EuroNatur Foundation’s financial position.

Testamentary gifts and legacy bequests in 2025 In 2025, the following individuals (listed alphabetically) bequeathed funds to EuroNatur Foundation upon their death. We are greatly indebted to them and will honour their memory. Johannes Peter Delker Dr. Christina Michaela Kraft Dr. Alexander Prestel and Rita Annette Prestel

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Kerstin Sauer - Lake Constance pebbles, Reichenau Island.

Non-autonomous foundations and named funds In 2025, EuroNatur managed three non-autonomous foundations and three earmarked named funds. The named funds’ capital (€ 607k) was increased by € 105k (this amount was channelled into the EuroNatur Fund for Eastern Germany) compared to the previous financial year while the capital of the non-autonomous foundations (€ 2,169k) remained unchanged. In the reporting year, yields from non-autonomous foundations continued to exclusively benefit EuroNatur project activities. Dr. Manfred and Gudrun Keim Fund Ludwig Raue Memorial Fund Lappat Fund EuroNatur Fund for Eastern Germany EuroNatur Fund for the Protection of Migratory Birds Elisabeth Seifert-Becker’s endowment fund for the protection of wolves in memory of Viktoria Neumann, Emilie and Franz Seifert

Working together for Europe’s nature EuroNatur’s successes in nature conservation in Europe in 2025 could only be achieved with the support provided by our donors, sponsors and legacy donors as well as providers of grants and commercial sponsors. We are most grateful for your support!

Annual Report: Daniela Löchle - View of the Mettnau.

Jahresbericht 2025

Statement of Financial position as at 31.12. 2025 ASSETS

2025 '000 €

A. Fixed assets

2024 '000 €

'000 €

10,658 I. Intangible assets

10,435 0

II. Tangible assets

853

879

III. Financial assets

9,805

9,556

B. Current assets

4,195

1,667

II. Account receivable and other assets

598

545

III. Liquid funds, short-term securities

3,592

1,116

I. Stocks

C. Deferred items

TOTALS

LIABILITIES

14,853

12,106

2025 '000 €

A. Equity

'000 €

2024 '000 €

'000 €

10,328

'000 €

10,196

I. Foundation‘s capital Core capital Endowments (in the financial year € 27k, p.y. € 10k)

II. Revenue reserves

8,385

7,998

1,866

2,121

B. Provisions

206

195

C. Liabilities

4,319

1,715

D. Deferred items

TOTALS

Annual Report 2025

14,853

12,106

Profit & Loss Statement for 2025 Revenue according to DZI

'000 €

2025

2024

Cash donations

1,003

891

15.62

10.34

Donations in kind

0.20

0.16

Bequests

560

2,050

8.72

23.78

0.00

0.06

1,576

2,960

Fines

Subtotal - total income from donations * (excluding endowments)

2025

2024

Government grants

1,180

1,588

18.38

18.42

Grants from other organizations

3,007

3,480

46.83

40.37

0.00

0.53

Interest and capital gains

576

509

8.97

5.90

Other revenue

1.28

0.44

Total revenue

6,421

8,621

100.00

245

283

Commercial activity

Withdrawals from revenue reserves Withdrawals from the special reserve

121

123

6,787

9,027

2025

2024

'000 €

2025

2024

Staff-related expenditure

1,673

1,850

26.49

24.88

Material expenditure and non-personnel costs

2,896

3,571

45.86

48.03

Staff-related expenditure

286

269

4.53

3.62

Material expenditure and non-personnel costs

291

312

4.61

4.20

Expenditure according to DZI Expenditures on programmes

Expenditures on advertising and PR work

Expenditures on administration

Staff-related expenditure

542

614

8.58

8.26

Material expenditure and non-personnel costs

126

483

2.00

6.50

501

336

7.93

4.52

6,315

7,435

100.00

Expenditures on portfolio management & business operations

Portfolio management Total expenditure

360

1,571

Transfers to revenue reserves

Transfers to special reserve

112

6,787

9,027

Transfers to the Foundation capital stock

* In the 2025 financial year, collection inflows totalled

EUR 1,777 thousand, of which EUR 147 thousand have not yet been allocated due to earmarking and are expected to be allocated in the following year, when the funds are actually utilised. The collection inflows also include endowments amounting to EUR 26,505.65 (previous year: EUR 10,205.65); these are not presented in the profit and loss account.

Annual Report 2025

EuroNatur’s project foci in 2025

8.9% 19.0%

7.4% 6.5%

24.5%

21.4%

12.3%

Annual Report 2025

Graphics: Kerstin Sauer; Figures: Markus Dressnandt

Proportion of funds spent on the different project foci in 2025 Who gets what share of the pie? This pie chart shows you at a glance how the funds are distributed across our project areas.

19.0%

779,548 Euro

Protecting the European Green Belt

24.5 % 1,005,637 Euro

Protecting Europe's rivers and river landscapes

12.3 %

504,491 Euro

Protecting migratory birds in Europe

21.4 %

876,872 Euro

Protecting large carnivores in Europe

6.5 %

265,343 Euro

Protecting Europe’s last remaining wild forests

7.4 %

301,584 Euro

Protecting species-rich cultural landscapes in Europe

8.9 %

366,768 Euro

EU nature conservation policy

Photo: Kerstin Sauer - Forget-me-not (Myosotis) in the Wollmatinger Ried.

Annual Report 2025

EuroNatur’s project foci in 2025

In 2025, the projects implemented by EuroNatur Foundation focused on the following areas: Protecting the European Green Belt and further advancing the European Green Belt Initiative Protecting Europe's rivers and river landscapes Protecting migratory birds in Europe Protecting large carnivores in Europe Protecting Europe’s last wild forests Protecting species-rich cultural landscapes in Europe EU nature conservation policy This Activity Report describes a selection of projects under individual priority headings. EuroNatur Foundation has supported and implemented a number of additional projects and initiatives over and above these priorities, a more detailed description of which is beyond the scope of this report.

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Petar Vanev - The Magaro peak in Galičica National Park, North Macedonia – Lake Ohrid to the left, Lake Prespa to the right.

Priority “European Green Belt”

Priority “Protecting Europe’s rivers and river landscapes”

Funding spent on this priority: 779,548 Euro

Funding spent on this priority: 1,005,637 Euro

Projects:

Protection and development of the European Green Belt and ongoing advancement of the Initiative (Partners: all EGBA members as well as the actors involved in the European Green Belt Initiative; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors), BESTbelt - Connecting and protecting unique landscapes throughout Europe by empowering local stakeholders (Partners: BUND, EGBA and stakeholders involved in the European Green Belt Initiative; Funding: European Union, EuroNatur’s donors), Strengthening NGO-led Conservation in the Transboundary Prespa basin (Partners: MES, PPNEA, SPP; Funding: Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors), Crossborder management of protected areas in the Western Balkans (Partners: CZIP, MES, PPNEA; Funding: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, EuroNatur’s donors)

“Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign (Partners: Riverwatch, EcoAlbania, MedINA, CDE MES, DPRS, Ekosvest, GARD, Qendra Network Albania; Funding: 1% for the Planet, Manfred-HermsenStiftung for Nature Conservation and Environmental Protection, Fondation Genevoise de Bienfaisance "Valeria Rossi di Montelera", Holdfast Collective, Client Earth, EuroNatur’s donors), Saving Europe’s last free flowing wild river – Vjosa/Aoos (Partners: Riverwatch, EcoAlbania, MedINA; Funding: Fondation Genevoise de Bienfaisance „Valeria Rossi di Montelera”, Holdfast Collective, EuroNatur’s donors), Protecting the Narta Lagoon in the Vjosa Delta from destruction by the Vlora International Airport Project (Partner: PPNEA; Funding: DIMFE, EuroNatur's donors), Commitment to a free-flowing Oder river (Partner: FER (BUND); Funding: Post Code Lottery, EuroNatur's donors), Enhancing a Science-Policy Interface Development for the Vjosa, ESPID4Vjosa (Partner:EcoAlbania; Funding: Austrian Development Agency, EuroNatur’s donors), Fostering Qualified Protection of Morača River (Partners: CZIP, CDE MES; Funding: Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors)

Annual Report 2025

EuroNatur’s project foci in 2025

Priority “Protecting migratory birds in Europe” Funding spent on this priority: 504,491 Euro Projects:

Safeguarding the bird migration route along the Adriatic Flyway (Partners: BirdLife, VCF, Tour du Valat, HDZPP, Biom, DOPPS, BPSSS, CZIP, Naše ptice, AOS, PPNEA; Funding: Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, EuroNatur’s donors), Nature Returns – an alternative model for funding and managing protected areas through promoting conservationbased businesses to local stakeholders, e.g. in Ulcinj Salina Nature Park, Šar Planina National Park and Lonjsko Polje Nature Park (Partner: Nature Returns – lead partner; Funding: Nature Returns, EuroNatur’s donors), Cross-border initiative to restore the aquatic warbler population (Partner: BEF – lead partner; Funding: EU LIFE, EuroNatur's donors), Protecting European wet meadows and pastures, in particular in the European Stork Villages (Partners: European Stork Villages and their national conservation partners; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors)

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Raimund Brandstaetter - Greater Flamingo and Common Tern (Phoenicopterus roseus and Sterna hirundo).

Priority “Protecting large carnivores in Europe” Funding spent on this priority: 876,872 Euro Projects:

Protecting brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains (Partner: Fapas; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors), Protecting brown bears in Serbia (Partner: BPSSS; Funding: Bernd Thies Foundation, EuroNatur’s donors), Cross-border protection of brown bears in the tri-border area of Albania, North Macedonia and Greece (Partners: PPNEA, MES, Callisto, Ekosvest; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors), Protecting brown bears, lynx and grey wolves in the northern Dinarides (Partners: University of Zagreb, Carnivora Magna; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors), Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (Partners: MES, PPNEA, ERA, Foundation KORA; Funding: Foundation Hans Wilsdorf, EuroNatur’s donors), Lynx monitoring in Montenegro (Partner: CZIP; Funding: Bernd Thies Foundation,

EuroNatur's donors), Funding the continuation of Carpathian Wolf Watch (Partner: SWS; Funding: EuroNatur's donors), Protection of large carnivores in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Guidelines for dealing with wolves (Partners: : EuroNatur is a member of the ‘Arbeitskreis Wolf’ working group as part of the ‘AG Lynx Baden Wuerttemberg’ working group, Funding: Lappat Fund, EuroNatur’s donors), Protecting the Mediterranean monk seal colony at Cap Blanc (Partner: CBD Habitat; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors), Protecting Mediterranean monk seals in the Eastern Adriatic (Partners: Archipelagos, FlagPine, PPNEA, CZIP, Biom; Funding: MSA, EuroNatur’s donors)

Photo: Depositphotos / Ondrej Prosicky - Lynx (Lynx lynx).

Annual Report 2025

EuroNatur’s project foci in 2025

Priority “Protecting Europe’s last wild forests” Funding spent on this priority: 265,343 Euro Projects:

Cross-border protection of primeval and old-growth forests in the Western Balkans (Partners: PPNEA, ERA, CZZS, CZIP, Biom, MES, BPSSS; Funding: Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, EuroNatur's donors), Ecological forest conversion of monoculture pine forests in Brandenburg to semi-natural mixed forests (Partners: Nature Park administrations at Dahme-Heideseen, Märkische Schweiz, and Schlaubetal; German Federation for Nature Conservation (Nabu) - Märkische Schweiz regional association; Stiftung Naturschutzfonds Brandenburg; local conservation groups and farmers; Funding: EuroNatur Trust for Eastern Germany, EuroNatur’s donors)

Priority “Protecting species-rich cultural landscapes in Europe“

Priority “EU nature conservation policy”

Funding spent on this priority: 301,584 Euro

Funding spent on this priority: 366,768 Euro

Projects:

Support for the protection and sustainable regional development of the Bosnian karst polje Livanjsko Polje (Partners: Naše ptice, CZZS, Livno Youth Centre; Funding: DIMFE, NEPF, GBTN, EuroNatur donors), Safeguarding two important bat roosts in Brandenburg and Poland (Funding: Interreg, Ludwig Raue Memorial Fund, EuroNatur donors), Vital Pastures in Transboundary Shar/KorabKoritnik/Mavrovo (Partners: CNVP, MES, PPNEA; Funding: Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation)

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Erika Poltronieri - Autumn forest.

Better and Higher Biodiversity Funding in the EU (Partners: Bankwatch, PGN, Green Liberty, Zelena Akcija, DOPPS, NCS Hungary; Funding: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety), Biodiversity conservation within the framework of the EU accession process (Partner: PPNEA; Funding: EuroNatur’s donors), Biodiversity financing in the EU (Funding: European Climate Foundation), Greening the EU budget (Partners: Bankwatch, Zelena Akcija, OTOP; Funding: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety)

Abbreviations Partners:

Funding:

DIMFE: Donors' Initiative for Mediterranean Freshwater Ecosystems AOS: Albanian Ornithological Society GBTN: Giving back to nature Biom: BirdLife Croatia EU-LIFE: Environmental Financial Instrument of the European Union BEF: Baltic Environmental Forum (Lithuania) MSA: Monk Seal Alliance BPSSS: Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia NEPF: Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation BUND: Friends of the Earth Germany PONT: Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust CBD Habitat: Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity and its Habitat in Spain CDE MES: Montenegrin Ecologists Society CNVP: Connecting Natural Values and People CZIP: Center for Protection and Research of Birds of Montenegro CZZS: Center for Environment in Bosnia-Herzegovina DOPPS: BirdLife Slovenia DPRS: Slovenian Native Fish Society EGBA: European Green Belt Association Fapas: Wild animal protection fund FER: Fundacja EkoRozwoju (Polen) GARD: Group of Rural Activists of Dibra HDZPP: Croatian Society for Bird and Nature Protection Kora: Foundation for carnivore ecology and wildlife management MedINA: Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos MES: Macedonian Ecological Society MOm: Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal OTOP: Association for the protection of birds in Poland PGN: Polish Green Network PPNEA: Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania SPP: Society for the Protection of Prespa SWS: Slovak Wildlife Society USPB: Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Birds VCF: Vulture Conservation Foundation

Photo: Kerstin Sauer - Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) in the rapeseed field.

Annual Report 2025

Mission & Vision

EuroNatur – Connecting nature and people

We are committed to connecting nature and people in a peaceful Europe – beyond national borders. Our donors support us in this endeavour. The growth-oriented way we lead our lives and run our economies at this point in history is characterized by ruthless exploitation of natural resources and has resulted in the pervasive destruction of nature as well as in drastic climate change. People all around the world are feeling the resultant adverse effects. Nature is the natural resource base on which all humans depend. Species and habitat diversity are prerequisites of a quality environment. Our aim is a European continent that hosts free-flowing rivers, pristine forests and diverse cultural landscapes and that offers sufficient space for wild animals and migrating birds within these and other ecosystems.

OUR MODE OF OPERATION

Our efforts for the protection of plants, animals and habitats are transboundary in nature; we strengthen local conservation organisations and create international networks between them. Together with our Europe-wide partner network we create solutions that allow humans to live and work in harmony with nature. Our way of working focuses on supporting third parties (our partners). We bring specialist expertise in our fields and actively contribute to the operational side of projects. We strive for a relationship of trust and equal partnership with our collaborators.

Annual Report 2025

In our work we follow a well-proven approach: KNOWING

Using reputable scientific studies, we provide evidence of the conservation importance and uniqueness of species, landscapes and habitats and of the threats they face.

PROTECTING

We work on driving forward the formal protection of endangered species as well as of habitats and landscapes of particular high ecological value. To this end we utilize national and international political structures.

SAFEGUARDING

Protected areas and species must be given sustained effective protection. We support control measures and make our demands for rigorous protection measures heard in national and international political institutions as well as in the courts. Where necessary, we exert public pressure on decision-makers (for example by way of protests and media attention).

LIVING

We generate acceptance of the need for protection and potentially associated restrictions for the local communities. Together with the local people we establish ecologically compatible land-use methods in protected habitats that open up socio-economic prospects. This helps us to win over local people as partners for achieving our conservation objectives, thus laying the groundwork for the long-term effectiveness of our efforts.

Photos: Anika Konsek - Science Week in the Vjosa Delta; Kerstin Sauer - Crayfish claw, hands holding a chestnut (Castanea sativa) and freshwater mussel (Unio crassus).

Our values

RESPONSIBILITY

We take responsibility for the issues to which we are committed, the geographical areas we work in, and our partners, with whom we aim to have long-term relationships. We are reliable and work with foresight, regularly scrutinising our effectiveness. We take responsibility for the outcomes of our work.

RESPECT

Respect is the foundation of all our actions. We treat people and nature with sincere respect and honour one another. We treat each other with appreciation and openness for all lived realities. It is important to us to communicate respectfully and listen to different viewpoints.

We take responsibility for ourselves and each other.

INDEPENDENCE

We are independent in our positions and do not compromise the integrity of our substantive work or our ideals. We strive for financial independence wherever possible. We also enable our partners to work effectively, free from external interference.

INTEGRITY

We stand up for these values and ideals. Even in difficult situations, we show backbone and stand firm. We keep our promises and are reliable partners.

Illustrations: Kerstin Sauer

Annual Report 2025

Organisation & structure

A Foundation to protect Europe’s nature

EuroNatur is a non-profit foundation established in 1987 by Friends of the Earth Germany (Bund für Umwelt- und Naturschutz Deutschland, BUND), the German Federation for Nature Conservation (Naturschutzbund Deutschland, NABU) and Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe, DUH). It is headquartered in Radolfzell. EuroNatur is legally, organisationally and financially independent, autonomous and non-partisan. A foundation having legal personality (rechtsfähige Stiftung) such as EuroNatur differs from a registered voluntary association (Verein) in that it has no membership base. The latest exemption notice (Freistellungsbescheid) was issued by the tax authority in Singen on March 20, 2026. EuroNatur is a member of, amongst others, the following organisation: European Green Belt Association e.V., International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), European Habitats Forum, German League for Nature Conservation and Environmental Protection (DNR), AgrarBündnis e.V. and Wetlands International - European Association. The current Articles of Association can be downloaded at www.euronatur.org/statutes

Presiding Committee serves as a supervisory body

New members of the Presiding Committee are proposed by existing members and elected to the Committee by majority vote. The President is elected from among the members of the Presiding Committee. In 2025, EuroNatur’s Presiding Committee had six voting members, all of whom served in a voluntary capacity. Their duties include determining the organisation’s strategic orientation, approving annual budgets, and approving the annual accounts.

Board of Trustees serves as an advisory committee

EuroNatur’s Presiding Committee can nominate persons to the Board of Trustees who support the organisation’s concerns. In 2025, EuroNatur’s Board of Trustees had 10 members, all of whom served in a voluntary capacity. They support EuroNatur in three areas: technical advice, especially with respect to access to funding; public relations work; establishing the organisation and its work more firmly within society. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees attends the meetings of the Presiding Committee in an advisory capacity. Detailed profiles of the Members of the Board of Trustees can be accessed at www.euronatur.org/en/about-euronatur/organization/euronaturboard-of-trustees

Executive Director serves as the governing body

The Executive Director is in charge of and responsible for steering the organisation’s operative work. In the reporting year, EuroNatur employed a total of 37 staff, who are active in the units of conservation, administration and public relations. More than 30 voluntary collaborators support the work of EuroNatur Foundation.

EuroNatur Service GmbH

In 1995, the EuroNatur Foundation established a wholly owned subsidiary, the EuroNatur Service GmbH, a limited company. This small but efficient service provider publishes and distributes for example landscape and wildlife calendars and guidebooks on EuroNatur’s project regions as well as a wide range of reference books and exclusive items. Additionally the EuroNatur Service GmbH has specialised on layout and mail order services which it provides to the EuroNatur Foundation and other clients.

The Presiding Committee oversees the work of the Executive Director with a view to its lawfulness, expediency and economic efficiency. Detailed Committee member profiles can be accessed at www.euronatur.org/en/about-euronatur/organization/ presiding-committee 50

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Bruno D‘Amicis - The underwater world of the Zeta River - Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) and Telestes souffia montenegrinus.

ore than m h c u m o s r e A riv c tricit y! e l e f o r ie l p p j us t a s u

Europe needs nature Donate for a future worth living! www.euronatur.org/donate

“

Without the international support of organisations such as EuroNatur and our donors, we would not be able to carry out our work. We would have no funds for our fieldwork or for our staff. Every single person’s contribution is important. Tibor Mikuska from the Croatian Society for Bird and Nature Conservation

Photo: Bruno D‘Amicis - Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) on the river Una.

„

Annual Report 2025

A testament for European nature What remains? Passing things on gives life meaning Through a last will and testament, we can ensure that the people and causes that matter to us are looked after, and that we make a difference beyond our own lives. This is not something that can be taken for granted, nor is it a feature of every legal system. You are in a position to make conscious use of this freedom to contribute to the realisation of your ideals. With a testamentary gift or a legacy bequest to EuroNatur, you can make a significant contribution to preserving a Europe with free-flowing rivers, unspoilt forests, diverse cultural landscapes and sufficient space for wildlife. Bequests (which may take the form of testamentary gifts or legacy bequests) lay a valuable foundation for effective nature conservation and thus open up far-reaching prospects for both people and nature. If you wish to include EuroNatur as a beneficiary to your estate, you will need to set this out in your will. Only a will can override the statutory provisions.

Useful information about wills On our website www.euronatur.org/en/legacy-giving you’ll find useful information on the topic of estate planning and answers to questions such as “Legal succession: Do I need a will?“ or “Aren't my assets too small for a legacy donation?” You will also find the ‘Inheritance Calculator’ there (in German only), which helps you assess your personal inheritance situation. It shows who is currently entitled to inherit from you and calculates their share of the estate. You can also find out how much the compulsory shares amount to, and how much you can dispose of as you wish. You can use the inheritance calculator without entering any personal details, allowing you to remain anonymous. The “How do I write a will?” page offers food for thought, guidance and practical tips on estate planning issues in short videos. You can also use the digital assistant “Erblotse” (German only) there to receive practical assistance in drafting a will that reflects your wishes while remaining legally valid. The protection of your data is our top priority here, too. If you access the “Erblotse” via the link on euronatur.org, you can use the service free of charge. Contemplating and planning one’s estate is usually a lengthy process that throws up many questions. We would be happy to set aside time for confidential, no-obligation discussions with you. 52

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Kerstin Sauer - Ines Fantinato

Our contact person for estates Ines Fantinato, is happy to assist you personally. You can contact her at Ines Fantinato ines.fantinato@euronatur.org Fon: + 49 7732 9272 16 You can also request our wills brochure, which contains information on estate planning, from her. More information at: www.euronatur.org/en/legacy-giving

The “In Good Hands” Legacy Seal of Approval In 2020, the initiative “Mein Erbe tut Gutes” (“My Legacy Does Good”) launched a legacy seal of approval to represent integrity in this sensitive area. As a member organisation, the EuroNatur Foundation also holds this seal of approval − like all other organisations and foundations that use it – as a mark of their commitment to eleven guidelines, divided into three sections:

Respecting your freedom of choice; Careful and respectful management of your estate; Compliance with all legal requirements and adherence to the highest standards of transparency.

The full guidelines can be found on the page www.mein-erbe-tut-gutes.de/erbschaftssiegel/ (German language only).

Photo: Bruno D‘Amicis - The river Una in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Annual Report 2025

Imprint

The EuroNatur team in April 2026 (in rows from left to right): Front: Sabrina Peloso, Patrizia App, Antje Henkelmann, Elfrun Lindenthal, Leonie Kraut, Christian Stielow, Dr. Amelie Huber, Laura Böttges, Silvana Mielke Back row: Tess Hartmann-Hergott, Dr. Justine Vansynghel, Anja Arning, Markus Dressnandt, Mareike Brix, Gerd Wiest, Siegmund Missall, Cornelia Mähr, Gabriel Schwaderer, Dr. Stefan Ferger, Leonard Sonten, Michael Fantinato, Ines Fantinato, Anne Katrin Heinrichs, Annette Spangenberg, Lola Arriola, Marion Lenz, Jessica Bitsch, Leah Nyamey, Isabel Wintermantel

Annual Report 2025

Photo: Silvana Mielke - Group photo of the EuroNatur team in April 2026.

Presiding Committee

President: Prof. Dr. Thomas Potthast Vice president: Dr. Anna-Katharina Wöbse Members of the Presiding Committee: Prof. Dr. Hannes Knapp, Dr. Elsa Nickel, Jörg Nitsch, Prof. Dr. Hubert Weiger

Executive Director Gabriel Schwaderer

Ombudsperson

Dr. Thomas Griese ombudsperson@euronatur.org

Imprint

EuroNatur Stiftung Westendstraße 3 D - 78315 Radolfzell Fon + 49 (0) 7732 / 92 72 0 Fax + 49 (0) 7732 / 92 72 22 info@euronatur.org www.euronatur.org facebook.com/euronatur youtube.com/euronatur bsky.app/profile/euronatur.bsky.social instagram.com/euronatur linkedin.com/company/euronatur

Writers

Anja Arning (Editor-in-chief) Christian Stielow, Gabriel Schwaderer (V.i.S.d.P), Anika Konsek, Leonie Kraut, Silvana Mielke, Markus Dressnandt, Ines Fantinato

Translation

Ute Bohnsack, Email: agroeco@eircom.net

Cover photo

Enric Riera Romà Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Conservation needs action - and money! Our successful work is built on targeted strategies, efficient methods, sound knowledge, rich practical experience and respectable partner organisations in the project regions. But existing opportunities translate into concrete measures only with the help of our donors.

Cover & graphic design

Donations to registered charities such as EuroNatur are tax-deductible. Please help Europe’s nature and wildlife.

Printing

Please spread the word and help us find new supporters for EuroNatur!

Kerstin Sauer; EuroNatur Service GmbH ISSN 0945-148X

Fischer Druck GmbH & Co. KG, printed on 100% recycled paper

www.euronatur.org

Donations

SozialBank / Bank für Sozialwirtschaft, Köln IBAN DE42 3702 0500 0008 1820 05 SWIFT/BIC BFSWDE33XXX

The DZI (German Institute for Social Issues) seal of approval certifies that EuroNatur is serious, transparent and uses donations wisely and effectively. Photo: Kerstin Sauer - Siberian irises (Iris sibirica) in the Wollmatinger Ried.

Annual Report 2025