On 10 December 2025, the European Commission presented a new package of measures aimed at simplifying EU environmental legislation while preserving strong protections for the environment and human health. The initiative focuses on reducing administrative burdens for businesses and speeding up permitting processes, particularly for strategic projects linked to the green and digital transition.
The package covers areas such as industrial emissions, environmental assessments, circular economy rules, and access to geospatial data. By streamlining procedures and increasing digitalisation, the Commission aims to support investment, innovation, and competitiveness across the EU.
The proposed measures are expected to save businesses around €1 billion per year, contributing to nearly €11 billion in annual administrative savings already achieved through recent simplification efforts. These reforms are part of the EU’s broader Competitiveness Compass and align with the goal of fostering sustainable economic growth.
The proposals reflect extensive stakeholder input, with more than 190,000 responses gathered during a public consultation. Further simplification initiatives are planned in the coming years. The legislative package will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council.
