Overview
Industrial activities play an important role in Europe’s economy, but also have significant negative environmental impacts. The largest industrial installations account for a considerable share of total key atmospheric pollutant emissions. They also generate waste and consume large amounts of energy. These emissions affect water and soil, harm ecosystems and crops and threaten the built environment.
The environmental and health impacts of industrial installations are therefore subject to EU-wide legislation, also in line with the Zero Pollution action plan.
In the EU
Objectives
The EU aims to
- regulate noxious emissions caused by industrial activities
- reduce environmental impacts of industrial emissions
- raise awareness of the harmful impacts of industrial emissions
- contribute towards a greener industry
- prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances
Specific policies
Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
Main EU Directive preventing and controlling industrial emissions
European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR)
Key environmental data from industrial facilities in EU countries
Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD)
Regulating pollutant emissions from the fuel combustion in medium-sized plants
Industrial safety
Preventing and mitigating the risk of industrial accidents
Petrol storage and distribution
Preventing emissions when storing and distributing petrol
Related links
Main laws: E-PRTR Regulation, Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), Medium Combustion Plants Directive (MCPD), Directives 1994/63/EC and 2009/126/EC on petrol storage and distribution.
Related topics: Air, Chemicals, Plastics
Related strategies:Chemicals strategy, Plastics strategy, Textiles strategy, Environment action programme to 2030, Zero pollution action plan
Related Commission priorities: European Green Deal
