Last night - Tuesday 28 November - the European Parliament, Council, and Commission successfully concluded negotiations on the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). This agreement marks a crucial step forward in ensuring robust measures for environmental and human health protection, by preventing and reducing toxic emissions into air, water, and soil from a wide array of industrial sources*. 

The S&D Group played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the negotiations in the Parliament, and subsequently with the member states in the European Council. Firstly, the S&Ds contributed to the establishment of stricter emission limits compared to the current directive. Secondly, they have secured that, from 2030, companies will have to put forward comprehensive transformation plans highlighting how they will contribute to the emergence of a sustainable, circular and climate-neutral economy by 2050. Thirdly, under the revised directive, competent authorities will have to set the strictest achievable emission limit values for industrial installations, taking a big step forward in emissions reduction and ensuring a level-playing field for Europe’s industry. 

Reducing pollution from the industry to protect the environment and public health is a key aspect of the Green Deal, which the S&D Group put at the heart of the Commission’s programme at the beginning of this legislature and is now delivering on.

Mohammed Chahim, S&D vice-president and negotiator on the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive said:

“Our focus on the continuous reduction of pollutants in water, soil, and air clearly aligns with the S&D Group’s values and dedication to place environmental and public health protection over business as usual.  

“We managed to extend the scope to include large battery factories, mining activities and more pig and poultry farms, which will contribute to a continuous emissions reduction and improved resource use under the IED. At the same time, we promote innovation and improve the rules on cross-border cooperation.

“Protecting human’s health is now an explicit and important part of the directive, reinforcing the principle that every individual has the right to a healthy and unpolluted environment.”

The deal reached in the trilogue negotiations yesterday still needs to be formally confirmed by the European Parliament and the EU member states.

* The directive covers many types of heavily polluting industries such as large combustion plants, refineries, waste treatment and incineration, rearing of pigs and poultry, as well as metals, cement, glass and chemicals producers.