Simplifying environmental legislation to promote sustainable growth

The European Commission presented a package of measures to simplify environmental legislation in the areas of industrial emissions, circular economy, environmental assessments and geospatial data. The changes will contribute to reducing the administrative burden for businesses, while keeping the EU's ambitious objectives to protect the environment and human health. It will accelerate and streamline permitting processes for all projects, in particular in strategic sectors, such as strategic digital projects, critical raw materials projects and affordable housing, facilitating the transition to a clean and digital economy in the EU. Simplifying regulations and reducing administrative burdens is indeed essential to meet these environmental objectives and strengthen the EU's competitiveness.

With this proposal, businesses are expected to save approximately 1 billion euros per year, bringing the annual administrative savings stemming from the omnibuses and other simplification initiatives the Commission has already presented to almost 11 billion euros per year. It thus brings us closer to the overall target of 37.5 billion euros in annual administrative cost savings by the end of this Commission's mandate in 2029. This initiative is part of a broader effort aligned with the EU's Competitiveness Compass. It will contribute to cutting red tape and support the EU's competitiveness and resilience, while fostering green growth. 

This simplification package is composed of six legislative proposals. The simplifications proposed include targeted legislative changes, and reflect the contributions from stakeholders following a call for evidence announced on 22 July 2025. The call gathered more than 190,000 responses. The European Commission will continue to work towards simplification of existing legislation beyond today's package of measures, building on the suggestions received during the call for evidence. Key elements of the proposal are: streamlined environmental assessments for granting permits; simplified industrial emissions standards for industry and farmers; more effective digital solutions for hazardous substances in products; simplified Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); facilitated access to geospatial data.

The Commission is committed to continuing to exploit the full potential for simplification, stress testing EU legislation and working on effective implementation. The simplification process will continue throughout the next years, focusing on stress-testing, guidance and improving existing legislation. For example, to ensure a smooth and timely transition of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the Commission is due to publish guidance soon to provide further clarity and harmonised implementation on issues raised in the call for evidence. 

The package marks the eighth omnibus proposal. The Commission set a course to simplify EU rules to make the EU economy more competitive and more prosperous, with a clear target to deliver an unprecedented simplification effort by achieving at least 25% reduction in administrative burdens, and at least 35% for SMEs until the end of 2029. The legislative proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption.