EU Proposes Simplified Environmental Legislation to Cut Red Tape
On 22 July 2025, the European Commission launched a new initiative aimed at streamlining administrative requirements in environmental laws. This move targets a 25% reduction in bureaucracy for all companies—and 35% for SMEs—by 2029, while maintaining strong environmental protections.
Key Areas for Simplification
♻️ Waste Management: Streamlining reporting, including SCIP database reviews
📦 Product Regulations: Harmonising extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules
🏭 Industrial Emissions: Simplifying permits and reporting under the Industrial Emissions Directive
💻 Digitalisation: Enhancing digital reporting to reduce duplication and costs
📝 Permitting Processes: Addressing permit overlaps, including with the Net Zero Industry Act
Stakeholder Input Sought
The Commission is inviting feedback through a Call for Evidence open until 10 September 2025. Businesses, authorities, and civil society stakeholders can influence the final proposal.
Balancing Efficiency and Environmental Goals
The Commission stresses this is smart regulation, not deregulation, aiming to make environmental laws more effective and easier to comply with—supporting innovation and a greener, circular economy.
Next Steps: Environmental Omnibus Proposal
The Commission plans to present a comprehensive Environmental Omnibus legislative package in Q4 2025, which will consolidate and simplify multiple legal texts. The proposal will undergo the usual EU legislative process involving the European Parliament and the Council.
Reference: EU Consultation on Environmental Simplification
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