EU faces complaints over plans to simplify environmental laws

Environmental campaign groups filed a complaint on Tuesday against the European Commission, accusing it of rushing to overhaul water management and protection laws without enough evidence.

This is the latest complaint by environmental groups about the European Union’s efforts to simplify policies and reduce their burden. The strategy, known as EU “omnibus”, was developed in response to complaints made by industries that say heavy laws hinder their ability to compete with rivals such as the U.S. or China.

The complaint relates to a plan by the Commission to revise?EU?s main water legislation in this year. This is partly in response to concerns raised by mining and metals firms?who claim that the environmental safeguards in the law are delaying the approval of new industrial projects and critical raw material mines.

World Wildlife Fund, European Environmental Bureau and three other groups filed a complaint with the European Ombudsman - the EU's independent watchdog - claiming that the Commission failed to gather enough evidence?and consult stakeholders?before announcing its?planned revision.

They said that this failure was a result of maladministration.

The NGOs stated that "their cumulative effect amounts a flagrant departure from established due processes, affecting citizens' rights in a material way." The NGOs argued that EU water laws were not the main reason for new mines having difficulty getting permits and did not require revision.

A spokesperson for the Commission said that they had not been notified about the complaint but would continue to work with stakeholders in preparation of revising the "water laws".

The spokesperson stated that "the Commission has engaged in a transparent, inclusive dialogue with member states and stakeholders and is currently evaluating the input of stakeholders."

Ombudsman decides if he will open an inquiry into the complaint. The process could take several weeks, according to a watchdog spokesperson.

The EU watchdog has no enforcement powers. Instead, it makes recommendations which can influence future EU legislation and increase'scrutiny over the Commission.

The Ombudsman forced the Commission last year to explain publicly why it had accelerated other proposals to curb sustainability and not assessed if the changes were in line with Europe's commitments to climate change.

(source: Reuters)