The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive relates to the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. It aims to ensure a high level of environmental protection and that environmental considerations are integrated into the preparation and authorisation of projects.
This objective is achieved by ensuring that environmental assessment of certain public and private projects listed in Annex I and II to the Directive (airports, nuclear installations, railways, roads, waste disposal installations, waste water treatment plants, etc.) is carried out prior to their authorisation.
The EIA Directive applies to a wide range of public and private projects.
Amending legislation (Directive 2014/52/EU) was adopted in 2014. In line with the drive for smarter regulation, it:
- helps reduce administrative burden
- improves the level of environmental protection to permit sounder, more predictable and sustainable business decisions on public and private investments
The amendment takes into account threats and challenges that have emerged since the original rules came into force 30 years ago. This means paying more attention to aspects like resource efficiency, climate change and disaster prevention, which are now better reflected in the assessment process.