Rare species and habitats across the EU are in poor condition and face an increased risk of extinction, says a European Environment Agency (EEA) report due to be published next month. The report, which will be discussed at a major biodiversity conference in Athens this week, states that possible biodiversity losses could undermine clean water and fertile soils, affecting quality of life and the economy. Across 40 European countries and the former Soviet Union, between 50 to 85% of habitats and 40 to 70% of species are in an "unfavourable" condition. Many more could not be assessed because of a lack of information. The EEA wants to see better management of protected areas and a reduction in the negative impact of transport.