Home / Environment / EU Water Laws Under Fire From Green Groups
EU Water Laws Under Fire From Green Groups
9 Sep
Summary
- Environmental groups filed a complaint against the European Commission.
- The groups claim the EU executive lacks sufficient evidence for water law changes.
- The complaint was lodged with the European Ombudsman on Tuesday.
Environmental organizations have formally complained to the European Ombudsman, alleging that the European Commission is proceeding with a significant revision of water protection and management laws without sufficient supporting evidence. This action by groups including the World Wildlife Fund and the European Environmental Bureau targets the EU's broader strategy of streamlining regulations, which aims to boost industrial competitiveness.
The complaint specifically addresses the planned overhaul of key EU water legislation, reportedly influenced by concerns from mining and metals companies regarding environmental safeguards delaying project permits. The NGOs argue that the Commission has failed in its due process by not adequately gathering evidence or consulting stakeholders, a failure they deem maladministration.
They assert that existing EU water laws are not the impediment to new mine permits and that a revision is unwarranted. A Commission spokesperson stated they had not yet received formal notification of the complaint but affirmed their commitment to ongoing transparent dialogue with stakeholders during the revision process.
The Ombudsman's office will now consider whether to launch an investigation, a process that could take several weeks. While the Ombudsman lacks enforcement powers, its recommendations can influence future EU lawmaking and increase scrutiny of the Commission's actions.
