The enhanced law builds on the EU’s successful permitting system for prevention and control of emissions, which is designed to ensure that ‘best available techniques’ are applied to reduce pollution. It covers new economic activities and additional sources of emissions, while streamlining the permitting process. It tightens conditions on granting derogations and gives authorities better enforcement powers. For the first time in EU environmental law, the new directive recognises people’s right to seek compensation for damage to their health caused by illegal pollution.

EU frontrunners in industrial innovation will benefit from flexible permitting to test techniques with higher environmental performance. A new Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) will gather information on innovative solutions for pollution control.

Member States will have until 1 July 2026 to adapt their national laws to the revised Directive. Data collected by national authorities will be first reported to the new Industrial Emissions Portal in 2028.

You will find more information online.

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