Environmental Assessments and Authorizations: SEA - EIA - IPPC Permit

The European Commission approved on 26 October, the proposal for a Directive COM(2012) 628 final, amending the current EIA Directive (2011/92/EU).

The proposed Directive aims to simplify the administrative burden and streamline the EIA process strengthening guarantees for the protection of the environment and at the same time allowing developers to have a more streamlined and harmonized regulatory framework.

The proposal reinforces the provisions relating to the quality of EIA in order to achieve a high level of environmental protection and defines clearer rules to ensure better decision-making by providing, among other things, a higher quality of the data and information contained in studies of environmental impact, the systematic evaluation of alternatives, assessment of the effects associated with risks of natural and man-made disasters, environmental monitoring during the construction and management of projects, but also the clarity and completeness of the decisions taken by the competent authorities, including information and related considerations gained during the process of public participation.

The various stages of the EIA process have been rationalized, with the introduction of timing and a new mechanism to facilitate the process when several evaluations are needed and various authorities involved. These changes make it possible to have more certainty of the law and to speed up the process without losing quality.

It is also introduced the requirement of reporting every six years, by the Member States to the Commission regarding the key "parameters" characterizing the EIA process (number of projects, number and type of procedure by type of project and developer, the average duration and cost average ratings).

The current proposal is the result of a review process conducted through extensive consultations and studies on the effectiveness of existing standards and the impact of any changes. The proposed Directive will be examined by the European Parliament and the Council for its approval.