Two approaches to achieve conservation objectives in Natura 2000 sites have recently received muchattention from the Dutch government. The first approach applies to Natura 2000-sites where activeinvestments in the site’s conservation objectives are stimulated by combining economic developmentand ecological restoration. The second approach relates to providing space for natural processes orrestoration projects with a focus on the functioning of the ecosystem, rather than only species orhabitat type specific approaches. While the Ministry of Economic Affairs considers both approachesvery promising for speeding up the process towards achieving the Natura 2000 conservationobjectives, the approaches can turn into dilemma’s because at least some characteristics of theapproaches appear to be problematic in view of the European case law relating to article 6 of theHabitats Directive. The aim of the research was to investigate whether the two dilemmas are alsoexperienced in Austria, England and Flanders and, if so, how they address the legal challenges. Thisreport first discussed the legal framework of article 6 of the Habitats Directive, with special attentionfor the terms ‘deterioration’ and ‘integrity of the site’, and the precautionary principle. Next, theoutcomes of the comparative research are described. In the final part of the report, the main findingshave been summarised and the spotlight is turned on the Netherlands again: What could we learnfrom views and approaches in other Member States and could these lessons learned limit or solve thedilemmas in the Netherlands?