The Council of the EU under the Cyprus Presidency, has reached a common negotiating position on Wednesday, on a proposal to simplify rules and procedures in the areas of industrial emissions, the circular economy, and geospatial data. The proposal is part of the "Omnibus VIII" simplification package, which aims to reduce unnecessary administrative costs while maintaining the EU's high standards of environmental protection.
'One Europe, One Market'
The agreement falls within the framework of the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap, signed by the presidents of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the Commission on 24 April 2026, on the margins of the informal leaders' meeting in Nicosia, which sets the objective of concluding work on all simplification packages by the end of 2027.
In her statement, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, Marilena Raouna, said that "the Cyprus Presidency, from day one, has turned its commitment to simplification into tangible results. Today, we deliver on the environmental package, introducing clearer, more proportionate rules that reduce unnecessary burdens while safeguarding the European Union's high standards of environmental protection. This is a result that supports both our citizens and our businesses, and strengthens the EU's competitiveness and sustainability alike."
The package comprises targeted measures amending six legislative acts, including a regulation on speeding up environmental assessments (RSEA), a regulation and a directive on simplification and reduction of administrative burden, and an amendment to the INSPIRE directive on spatial data.
More negotiations to follow
Due to strong reservations from a vast majority of member states, Council negotiations on two proposals concerning extended producer responsibility (EPR) were discontinued, ahead of the upcoming comprehensive review of the EPR framework under the circular economy act, expected in autumn 2026. Work will continue on the environmental assessments regulation, with the aim of reaching a negotiating position on that proposal as well.
Regarding the main amendments, the proposed regulation amends the batteries regulation, reducing redundant reporting and simplifying removability and replaceability requirements for light means of transport batteries, with a targeted 18-month postponement for certain product categories. The proposed directive simplifies reporting obligations under waste legislation and reintroduces the chemicals inventory as a monitoring tool, with a clear compliance deadline of July 2030. The INSPIRE directive is being modernised to align with the EU's data acquis, reintroducing data sharing between public authorities and minimum interoperability requirements.
The incoming Irish Presidency, which takes over in July, is expected to continue discussions on the remaining elements of the package and enter trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament once both co-legislators adopt their negotiating positions.
Source: CNA
