Better Regulation
Background
Better Regulation refers to the top level EU strategy to ensure that EU legislation delivers on its objectives in the most effective and efficient way. In 2015, the Commission adopted a new set of Guidelines setting out its approach to regulation at each stage of the policy cycle, from policy preparation to implementation. The Commission also attempted to instil better regulation principles in the legislative process.
Ensuring regulation remains predictable, workable and evidence-based
The chemical sector is highly regulated, both at EU and at national level. Many decisions affecting market access and chemical operations are taken at EU level in the form of delegated and implementing acts.
It is important that the processes foreseen in the Better Regulation Guidelines are followed so that regulation remains predictable, workable and evidence-based.
Cefic’s position
The Commission has significantly improved its better regulation framework. Cefic welcomes the work of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board, the increased use of the Evaluate First principle and the transparency gained in the comitology process.
The Commission has undertaken major evaluation work in the area of chemicals, with the REACH Refit Evaluation and the yet to be published fitness check of chemicals legislation. Any new initiative should take into account the results of the evaluation work.
Beyond our positive assessment, the Commission could improve the better regulation framework by:
- publishing for feedback all draft measures aiming to regulate the use of chemicals
- providing a clearer overview of reduction of regulatory costs achieved through the implementation of the EU law
- being more transparent when the Commission did not apply better regulation processes
Position papers and supporting documents
Cefic views on the Commission’s legislative proposal to amend the Aarhus Regulation
Cefic acknowledges the efforts made by the Commission to address concerns raised by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee while preserving consistency with the EU Treaty system of legal remedies to ensure judicial review of EU acts – but remains concerned as to the consequences of the proposed legislative changes.
Cefic’ s views on the potential Aarhus Regulation revision foreseen to broaden rules on Access to Justice
Following the legislative initiative announced in the Commission Roadmap on ‘better access to justice in environmental matters’, Cefic shares its views on the upcoming proposal to revise the Aarhus regulation which may lead to a privileged access to justice by environmental NGOs.