he IUCN European Regional Office represents around 360 Members (2017). They provide regional and global services to the Union, by providing vital linkages to EU institutions and other stakeholders in Brussels.

Their primary role is to connect and engage in policy dialogues with European institutions, governments, civil society, NGOs, science and the business communities to improve conservation policy and action. As a science-based organisation, IUCN provides essential knowledge products for a broad range of policy debates.

The Brussels office focuses on issues such as biodiversity, nature conservation, climate change, ecosystem services, nature-based solutions and the circular economy. They also advocate for Members at the EU level in case of urgent policy developments at national or local level. 

The European Regional Office is engaged in a range of policy areas and projects. For instance, the well-known European Red List of Threatened Species helps to inform policy makers as well as the general public on the status of species in Europe. Their cooperation with local and regional authorities to promote nature-based solutions, highlights the pioneering role of IUCN in attracting new audiences to biodiversity conservation. Behind and in front of the scenes, they continue to support and push for a rapid implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement as well as the UN Sustainable Development Agenda.

Over the years, the European Regional Office has built close relationships with the European Commission (especially DG Environment, DG Research and Innovation and DG Development and Cooperation), the European Parliament, permanent representations and stakeholder organisations. Two important platforms in this respect are the European Parliament Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development and the European Habitats Forum. 

Next to supporting policies on behalf of their Members, the IUCN European Regional Office supports fundraising efforts. In cooperation with the IUCN Secretariat, the six Commissions and their Members they continue to develop and implement a fundraising strategy. One concrete output is to channel EU funding opportunities to the Union.