In the wake of a public consultation opened last week, the European Commission announced the release of a new Call for Evidence, seeking suggestions and input on a planned upcoming “environmental omnibus proposal”. In this way, the commission aims to simplify environmental legislation and reduce “administrative burdens” for companies in areas including circular economy, industrial emissions and waste management. 

To justify the initiative, Jessika Roswall, EU Environment Commissioner, said on Wednesday that the aim was to “simplify environmental legislation without compromising our high environmental standards”. 

This Call for Evidence confirms the significant simplification push initiated by the European Commission to keep up with its “Competitiveness Compass” roadmap. For the record, this initiative aims to boost Europe’s productivity and global competitiveness, including goals to reduce reporting burdens by at least 25% for all companies, and 35% for SMEs. 

The European Commission will draft any proposals to simplify laws after the public consultation closes on September 10. The commission aims to adopt the new proposals in the last quarter of 2025. 

Under the new Call for Evidence, circular economy, industrial emissions and waste management are among the areas being assessed by the Commission to reduce “administrative burdens”. For instance, the Commission is pointing out reporting obligations under the Waste Framework Directive and rules related to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. For the record, EPR schemes make companies responsible for how their products are recycled or disposed of. These requirements have been criticised by businesses claiming that EU rules overlap with national schemes. 

From the other side, concerns and criticism have also been raised in the context of general simplification started in February via the “Omnibus I” package. Indeed, following the numerous changes applied to a series of regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) or the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), campaigners and some businesses have accused Brussels of undermining laws that help manage risks from climate change and drive capital to the green transition. 

This controversial context reflects the biggest challenge the European Commission is facing, as to keep up with its environmental objectives while reducing “administrative burdens” for competitiveness. 

Source: 

https://www.esgtoday.com/eu-plans-to-ease-regulations-on-industrial-emissions-circular-economy-waste-management/ 

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/eu-eyes-more-cutbacks-environmental-laws-after-industry-criticism-2025-07-23/