The European Commission has published the so-called Envi Omnibus, focusing on Simplification for Sustainable Competitiveness. This eighth omnibus aims to ensure that the environmental objectives of the European Union are achieved in more efficient, less costly, and smarter ways.
The simplification package includes several pieces of environmental legislation, such as:
the Waste Framework Directive,
the Packaging Regulation,
the Batteries Regulation,
the WEEE Directive,
the Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (“SUP Directive”)
and others.
It should address, for example, areas such as PFAS, the authorised representative under EPR, or a more precise definition of the battery producer. The package is designed to:
- reduce bureaucracy,
- accelerate environmental permitting,
- support competitiveness,
- maintain the EU’s environmental goals,
- and it is expected to reduce administrative burdens by approximately EUR 1 billion per year.
The Commission aims to reach a swift agreement with the legislative bodies so that the benefits of this package can begin to be realised as soon as possible.
Link to the report: Simplification of administrative burdens in environmental legislation – Environment
Further simplifications may also come in the future with the expected Circular Economy Act, planned to be published in Q3 2026, or from the impact assessment of the SUP Directive in 2027. More clarity regarding packaging may be provided by supporting documents to the PPWR, such as Frequently Asked Questions or the promised delegated acts.
11 December 2025
