European Commission proposes simpler and smarter environmental legislation

On 10 December 2025, the European Commission presented a new package of measures aimed at simplifying EU environmental legislation while maintaining high standards for environmental and human health protection.

This initiative is particularly relevant for the demolition and construction sectors, as it seeks to reduce administrative burdens and accelerate permitting processes for key projects across Europe.

The proposed measures encompass industrial emissions, circular economy rules, environmental assessments, and access to geospatial data by streamlining procedures, enhancing digitalization, and introducing single points of contact to expedite project approvals, particularly in strategic areas such as critical raw materials, digital infrastructure, decarbonization projects, and affordable housing.

These proposals form part of the EU’s wider competitiveness agenda and will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council.

More information can be found in the EU Commission – Environmental omnibus package: simpler and smarter environmental legislation factsheet.

Also, we encourage you to read the EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol, were EDA was actively involved.