On 10 December 2025 the European Commission has also unveiled a package of legislative proposals, which aimed at simplifying environmental rules covering industrial emissions, the circular economy, environmental assessments, and geospatial data. The goal is to reduce administrative burdens for businesses while maintaining strong environmental and health protections.
The Omnibus key elements are:
1. Streamlined environmental assessment for permitting
- Faster, more predictable procedures through combined assessments and accelerated timelines, single contact points, digitalisation and ensuring sufficient staffing for permitting authorities
- A “toolbox” for strategic projects (e.g. renewable energy, grids, storage projects and recharging stations, among others), including:
- Tacit approval for intermediate steps in decision-making
- Tools to balance overriding public interest without undermining environmental safeguards
- Faster judicial review processes in Member States
2. Changes to Batteries Regulation
- Amendment to producer definition for distance contracts
- Clearer definition of labelling requirements for substances of very high concern
- Suspension of the requirement to appoint an authorised representative to fulfil obligations related to extended producer responsibility (also applicable to Waste from electrical and electronic equipment Directive – WEEE – & Packaging and packaging waste Regulation – PPWR)
3. Future simplification will include
- A comprehensive stress-test of environmental regulations, including Birds and Habitats Directive in 2026
- Increased Commission support for implementing Nature Restoration Plans
- Targeted revision of the REACH regulation
- Creation of a single market for waste and recycled materials via the Circular Economy Act expected in Q3 2026
>> The full texts of the Omnibus are available at environment.ec.europa.eu
