The Commission’s Better Regulation agenda ensures evidence-based, transparent EU law-making based on the views of those impacted. Better Regulation practices are based on the principle of considering economic, environmental and social impacts together.
The main components of the agenda are:
- Evaluations look backwards at how existing legislation has worked
- Impact assessments look forward to the impact of options for new action
- Stakeholder consultation allows everyone’s views to be heard
The mission letter (Jessika Roswall - Mission letter | European Commission) states that a stress test of European environmental legislation will be carried out. Eliminating any overlaps and contradictions will make environmental objectives easier to reach.
Furthermore, the Commission aims to reduce reporting costs to ensure there is no unnecessary burden on businesses. Reporting is actively managed, including through the Fitness Check on Monitoring and Reporting in environment policy. A study is ongoing to identify all reporting obligations, their costs and the value they provide (Environmental Reporting and Simplification - Trinomics), including an online workshop in February 2025 and a follow-up survey. Further targeted consultation is planned, along with an additional public workshop.
Annual Progress Report on Simplification, Implementation and Enforcement
The first Annual Progress Report provides an overview of the progress made on delivering results in the areas of simplification, implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law between 1 January and 31 July 2025.
It summarises key achievements and ongoing action taken, including enforcement, to ensure that EU environmental legislation is applied effectively and brings tangible benefits on the ground. It also highlights efforts to simplify environmental acquis and streamline related processes. Finally, it outlines the way forward for continued simplification and better implementation in the months ahead.
2025 Simplification of administrative burdens in environmental legislation
On 22 July 2025, the Commission launched a Call for Evidence to simplify environmental legislation and reduce administrative burden.
In December 2025 the Commission presented a package of measures to simplify environmental legislation in the areas of industrial emissions, circular economy, environmental assessments and geospatial data.
The changes aim to reduce the administrative burden for businesses, while keeping the EU’s ambitious objectives to protect the environment and human health. Permitting processes for all projects will be streamlined, in particular in strategic sectors, such as digital projects, critical raw materials projects and affordable housing, facilitating the transition to a clean and digital economy in the EU.