The Regulation amending the EU Aarhus Regulation (EC No 1367/2006) to align with the Aarhus International Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters is adopted.
Without debate, the EU Environment Council adopted it at first reading on Wednesday 6 October by a qualified majority. Only Sweden abstained.
The amended Regulation is the result of the political agreement of 12 July with the European Parliament (see EUROPE 12768/3). It improves public scrutiny of EU administrative acts, by both NGOs and individuals, and ensures better public access to justice, if these acts have legal and external effects and contain provisions that may contravene environmental law (Article 9.3 of the Convention). There is an exemption for State aid decisions.
“This is a positive step that reinforces the EU’s commitment to full compliance with the Aarhus Convention”, commented Slovenian Environment Minister and President of the Environment Council, Andrej Vizjak.
The day before, the European Parliament approved the text at first reading (see EUROPE 12805/23).
The Regulation can now be published in the Official Journal of the EU. The adoption came in time for the seventh Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Aarhus International Convention, scheduled to take place in Geneva on 18-20 October (see EUROPE 12800/9). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)