Latest EU ‘Omnibus’ covers environment
The European Commission has unveiled its latest ‘Omnibus’ package of measures aimed at simplifying regulation for businesses across Europe.
The latest proposal contains measures aimed at simplifying environmental legislation in the areas of industrial emissions, circular economy, environmental assessments, and geospatial data.
The EU body said that the changes would help to cut the administrative burden for businesses, while also maintaining the EU's objectives to protect the environment and human health.
It estimated that the measures announced today (10 December) would save businesses around €1 billion a year.
Speeding up key projects
Among the main elements of the package is a plan to simplify and accelerate the granting of permits for key projects, such as strategic digital projects, critical raw-materials projects, and affordable housing.
The commission also plans to give companies more flexibility under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) in implementing environmental-management systems (EMSs).
Under the proposals, more time will be given to operators for the preparation of EMSs, while there will be no need for independent audits for EMS.
Farmers and aquaculture operators will be exempted from certain reporting obligations.
SCIP scrapped
The commission also plans to amend the Waste Framework Directive to scrap a database called SCIP that was set up to list hazardous substances, saying that the cost of SCIP was “disproportionately high” and that it will be replaced by “more effective digital solutions”.
In another proposal, an obligation on companies involved in batteries, packaging, electronic equipment, single-use plastic, and waste to appoint an authorised representative in every member state will be suspended.
The commission also plans to simplify current technical requirements for geospatial data under the INSPIRE Directive.
‘No contradiction’
The legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the EU Council.
“There is no contradiction between high environmental standards and competitiveness; these are two sides of the same coin,” said environment commissioner Jessika Roswall.
“Today’s package upholds our environmental standards, reduces administrative burden and eases implementation,” she added.