How to simplify environmental legislation
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.
Approximately €1 billion in savings per year
With this proposal, businesses are expected to save approximately €1 billion per year, bringing the annual administrative savings stemming from the omnibuses and other simplification initiatives the Commission has already presented to almost €11 billion per year. It thus 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.
Supporting the EU's competitiveness and resilience
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.
Simplification package
Today's simplification package is composed of six legislative proposals. The simplifications proposed today 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.
Take a look at the source description for further information and the detailed key elements of the proposal.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2997