Cefic statement on the European Commission’s proposal to update and modernise the Industrial Emissions Directive

While we support the overall policy goals of the new Industrial Emission Directive (IED) proposal; to protect ecosystems and human health from the adverse effects of pollution, we also clearly note there is nothing in the new proposal that would increase the competitiveness of the European Industry.

Against an already very challenging backdrop for European industry, companies need clarity and certainty to invest in Europe and European solutions now. Even longer permitting processes will not bring the EU Green Deal forward.

The practical implementation of the new IED proposed text is unclear and appears to create more hurdles for industry to continue industrial transformation towards the 2050 goals.

The next 10 years are critical to reach the 2050 ambitions, and now, more than ever, we need stability and clarity in the regulatory process.

Reducing industrial emissions has been one of the central targets for our industry and the IED has been a valuable and effective tool in achieving this goal. This was confirmed by the 2019 review by the European Commission and by recent data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register.

This is why we call to bring much-needed clarity to the practical aspects of the new IED: the revision of current permits, the future permitting processes, inclusions of transformation plans by 2030, implementation of emerging techniques and overall transition periods, are just some of the lingering uncertainties.