Green Groups Challenge EU Water Reform

Environmental groups filed a complaint with the European Ombudsman on Tuesday, accusing the European Commission of pressing ahead with reforms to water legislation without sufficient evidence or consultation. The complaint by the World Wildlife Fund, the European Environmental Bureau and three other organizations comes in response to the EU’s efforts to simplify legislation.

Through its so-called “omnibus” strategy, the Commission is seeking to accommodate industrial sectors that argue strict rules undermine their competitiveness against the US and China.

The revision of the EU’s main water legislation stems from concerns raised by mining and metallurgical companies. They argue that environmental safeguards are delaying the approval of new mines for critical raw materials.

In their complaint, the non-governmental organizations said the failure to gather sufficient evidence before announcing the reform constituted improper administrative procedure and violated citizens’ rights. They also argued that water laws were not the real cause of problems in obtaining permits.

The European Ombudsman will decide in the coming weeks whether to launch an investigation. Although the independent oversight body has no enforcement powers, its recommendations can increase scrutiny of the Commission and influence future legislation. In the past, the Ombudsman has required the Commission to explain the accelerated rollback of sustainability laws.

(Reuters, max)