The EU Nature Restoration Law: a policy framed by instrumental and intrinsic values

Abstract Introduction Social‐ecological restoration has seen increasing recognition in global policy agendas to address interlinked biodiversity, climate, and broader social‐ecological crises. Within this global momentum, the European Union has adopted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) which is set to shape ecological restoration as an EU priority and act as a cornerstone of the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Objectives This study interrogates the values of nature underlying the NRL, which thus will be the values of nature shaping restoration in Europe. Methods We conducted a qualitative content analysis to identify and thematically analyze the nature's values expressed in the NRL. Results We identified 91 segments of value expressions of which 78% referred to instrumental values of nature relating to ecosystem services, resilience, and economic value. Fifty‐one percent of segments related to intrinsic values of nature relating to concern for biodiversity and nature, uniqueness of species and ecosystems, and the notion of “nature for nature”. Only 4.5% of segments alluded to relational values connected to eudaimonia. Conclusion The NRL dominantly emphasizes instrumental values of nature as arguments for restoration.