MEPs back revised EIA Directive
Members of the European parliament's environment committee have voted overwhelmingly in favour of passing the compromise text into law
Following negations between the European commission, parliament and member states in November and December, amendments were made to the commission’s proposed new EIA Directive.
On Wednesday (12 February), members of the parliamentary environment committee voted 46 to eight in favour of adopting the text, which will introduce new requirements on developers to consider impacts on biodiversity and climate change in scoping EIAs.
It also requires developers to produce screening reports for annex 2 applications above national thresholds and that competent experts undertake EIA.
“Despite strong resistance from several member states, parliament achieved its aim of raising quality standards to protect human health and the environment better,” said Andrea Zanoni MEP, who is steering the legislation through parliament.
“After more than 28 years in operation, it is time to update this essential environment policy tool to cope with the new global challenges of the 21st century.”
The revised text will now be voted on by the full European parliament during 10–13 March.