On Wednesday 10 December, the European Commission presented a package of measures aimed at simplifying environmental legislation in the areas of industrial emissions, the circular economy, environmental assessments and geospatial data (see EUROPE 13767/6).
Six legislative proposals are presented (https://aeur.eu/f/jx5 ), as well as a communication (https://aeur.eu/f/jx4 ).
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, spoke to the press about “targeted simplification, while maintaining our high environmental standards”. The ‘omnibus’ package does not amend existing flagship legislation, such as the Birds and Habitats Directives or the Nature Restoration Regulation, “but takes into account assessments planned for the Water Framework Directive and the Circular Economy Act”, she added.
Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy, has indicated that businesses will save around €1 billion a year, bringing annual administrative savings from the ‘omnibus’ and other simplification initiatives already presented to almost €11 billion a year. “[This] brings us closer to the overall target of €37.5 billion in annual administrative cost savings by the end of this Commission’s mandate in 2029”, the Commission added.
“Make no mistake, this is not about challenging our environmental rules. We remain fully committed to the European Green Deal, which protects our future and offers our businesses a competitive advantage”, said European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall. In her view, the aim is to simplify circular economy-related legislation in order to speed up the transition, to simplify legislation on industrial emissions in order to reduce reporting obligations and to streamline environmental assessments.
Why wasn’t the Nature Restoration Regulation amended? Ms Roswall told the press that the regulation is now in force and that numerous flexibilities have been introduced. “The national plans that Member States must submit in September 2026 must, of course, take regional realities into account”, she stressed. The Commission and Member States are currently discussing these initial national plans.
Ms Ribera clarified that the Commission was offering its support to Member States to facilitate understanding and implementation, as well as the development of the necessary data. “Investing in ecosystem restoration is bearing fruit”, she added. The Executive Vice-President acknowledged that this regulation’s obligations can sometimes seem complex for some Member States. “That’s why the Commission’s services are available to provide support, on a case-by-case basis, to determine the best way to apply them”.
A number of legislative proposals are planned:
Simplified environmental assessments for granting permits. Project sponsors will benefit from simplified and accelerated procedures, including a single point of contact, digitalisation and faster procedures. These measures will enable key projects for the EU economy to be completed more quickly.
Simplified industrial emissions standards for industry and agriculture. Companies will have greater flexibility in implementing environmental management systems (EMSs). The requirement to include transformation plans will be removed, more time will be allowed for preparing EMSs and independent audits will no longer be necessary. Farmers and aquaculture operators will be exempt from certain reporting obligations.
Hazardous substances. The cost of the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database was disproportionate. Its functions will be replaced by digital solutions. The Commission is therefore proposing to amend the Waste Framework Directive to abolish SCIP.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR). Legislation on batteries, packaging, electronic equipment, single-use plastics and waste requires EU companies to appoint an authorised representative to fulfil their obligations in each Member State where they are not established. This obligation will be suspended for European producers, pending the streamlining of EPR schemes (Circular Economy Act).
Geospatial data. Current technical requirements for geospatial data under the INSPIRE Directive will be aligned with the horizontal legislation governing public sector high-value geospatial data.
Simplification will continue. To support implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, the Commission will publish guidance on a number of subjects: tests for PFAS, application dates, labelling requirements and reuse targets. The Water Framework Directive will be reviewed and revised in 2026.
In 2026, the Commission will stress-test the Birds and Habitats Directives. The Commission will complete its assessment of the Nitrates Directive and examine how to promote the use of manure (Renure, digestates).
The legislative proposals are examined by European Parliament and the EU Council. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)