Revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Vivienne Halleux.

Covering some 52 000 large agro-industrial installations EU-wide, the Industrial Emissions Directive is the main EU instrument regulating pollutant emissions from industry. The proposal for a revision tabled by the European Commission on 5 April 2022 aims to bring it into line with the EU’s zero pollution ambition, energy, climate and circular economy policy goals under the European Green Deal. The main changes include expanding the scope (in terms of sectors covered and thresholds), strengthening permit requirements to authorise installations to operate, and measures to promote innovation.

Stakeholders’ reactions to the text were mixed. Industry and farming representatives expressed strong concerns about the added complexity, timeliness and practical implementation of the proposal. While welcoming many improvements, non-governmental organisations criticised the missed opportunity to make the directive fit for climate protection, and the proposed new regime for intensive livestock rearing. In Parliament, the file has been referred to the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), which appointed Radan Kanev as rapporteur.

Version

• June 2022: Revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive (1st edition)