European Union Strikes Deal to Cut Industrial Emissions
The European Union and its member countries, in conjunction with the European Parliament, have recently announced the achievement of an initial agreement aimed at reducing industrial emissions. These emissions include those originating from intensive poultry and pig farms, as well as ore mines. The agreement, which was finalised on Tuesday, is designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of emissions from industries and enhance public access to information, as stipulated by the European Council.
Radan Kanev, the primary EU lawmaker responsible for this matter, underscored that the agreement is intended to substantially reduce emissions without imposing additional bureaucratic burdens on industries and farmers. He further highlighted the imposition of significant fines on companies found to be in contravention of the regulations. The overarching objective of the agreement, which remains subject to formal adoption, is to curtail air, soil, and water pollution from companies by amending existing emission and waste landfill regulations.
Additionally, the agreement will encompass updates to the European pollutant release and transfer register E-PRTR. The European Parliament has drawn attention to the health issues associated with emissions from major agricultural entities, including conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cancer. As of 2030, the revised regulations will encompass intensive pig farms housing over 350 animals and poultry farms containing more than 300 laying hens. The scope of coverage will also extend to industrial mines involved in the extraction of various ores such as iron, copper, gold, nickel, and platinum.
The issuance of permits to affected companies will be the responsibility of each EU country, on the condition that they can demonstrate adherence to the relevant standards. In cases of violations, the penalties will be commensurate with the severity of the breach, with fines amounting to at least three percent of a company’s annual turnover in the EU.
Upon formal ratification by the member countries and the European Parliament, the agreement will come into force three weeks following its publication in the EU’s official administrative gazette. Furthermore, the agreement will be subjected to commission review every five years, commencing from 2028.
In sum, this agreement represents a significant stride towards the reduction of industrial emissions in the European Union, and is expected to yield tangible benefits in terms of a healthier environment and improved public health outcomes.
