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Access to Justice in Environmental matters

Environment

The present initiative intends to amend EU rules relating to the Aahrus Convention, to which the EU is a party, and specifically the rules concerning access to justice in environmental matters. It aims at improving access to administrative and judicial review at EU level for citizens and NGOs who have concerns about the legality of decisions that have effects on the environment. It will also consider action to improve their access to justice before national courts in all Member States.

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Public consultation

ID: 12165

Lobbying Activity

47 responses

European Environmental Bureau demands EU fix flawed access to justice

European Environmental Bureau, 10 Dec 2020

The EEB urges co-legislators to remove restrictions that exclude most EU environmental decisions from review. They want deletion of limitations around national implementing measures, external effects, and state aid decisions. The organization argues the Commission proposal fails to ensure NGOs can challenge EU acts that breach environmental law.
This would enable them to challenge EU decisions harming the environment without costly national court battles.
Industries benefiting from weak environmental enforcement lose their regulatory shield from scrutiny.

EEB Welcomes EU Access to Justice Reform but Demands Stronger Rules

European Environmental Bureau, 3 Apr 2020

The EEB requests removal of the 'individual scope' requirement that blocks challenges to acts addressed to Member States. They argue current language must be 'unequivocally clear' and want a legally binding EU directive, not just non-binding guidance, to ensure uniform access to justice across Member States.
This would dramatically expand their ability to challenge EU environmental decisions in court.
Member States and EU institutions lose flexibility to avoid legal challenges to environmental decisions.

Consultation response

WWF European Policy Programme, 10 Dec 2020

Delivery of the European Green Deal depends on the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law by EU institutions. To ensure compliance, the EU needs strong mechanisms that allow civil society to hold EU institutions to account when they fail to deliver on their commitments. Presently,…

Chemical industry seeks limits on NGO environmental challenges

European Chemical Industry Council, 25 Nov 2020

The organization requests that NGOs only be allowed to challenge acts not requiring implementation measures, matching Article 263 TFEU standards. They want tighter criteria for NGO entitlement, arguing NGOs shouldn't challenge acts only remotely connected to their purpose.
This would reduce legal challenges to chemical industry product authorizations and restrictions.
Environmental NGOs lose their expanded ability to challenge EU environmental decisions in court.

Chemical Industry Warns Against Privileged Court Access for Green Groups

European Chemical Industry Council, 1 Apr 2020

The organization opposes extending court access for environmental NGOs, arguing this would create privileged treatment. They advocate for alternative measures like administrative and judicial review guidance instead.
This would prevent environmental groups from challenging industry-affecting regulations more easily than business associations.
Environmental NGOs and citizens lose expanded ability to legally challenge EU environmental decisions.

Consultation response

European farmers, 2 Apr 2020

COPA AND COGECA FEEDBACK ON THE ROADMAP “EU environmental law – better access to justice (updated rules)” COPA and COGECA support the general principles of the Aarhus Convention for providing access to information, public participation and access to administrative or juridical procedures for…

Consultation response

ClientEarth AISBL, 9 Dec 2020

Delivery of the Green Deal depends on the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law by EU institutions. To ensure compliance in practice, the EU needs strong mechanisms that allow civil society to hold EU institutions to account when they fail to deliver for the environment and human…

Consultation response

ClientEarth AISBL, 3 Apr 2020

ClientEarth welcomes the publication of this Roadmap. As we have emphasized in the response to previous consultations, we firmly believe that the amendment of the Aarhus Regulation (Regulation 1367/2006) is the only way for the European institutions, other than the CJEU, to significantly improve…

Consultation response

Maa- ja metsätaloustuottajain Keskusliitto – Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, 3 Apr 2020

The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) recognizes the importance of the general principles of the Aarhus Convention in relation to access to justice in environmental matters. However, the Commission’s initiative described in the roadmap includes actions that are not…

Consultation response

Stichting BirdLife Europe, 1 Apr 2020

Dear Commission, As an organisation working on protecting the environment we know about the importance of access to justice for ensuring compliance with EU law and to address the ecological crisis, both at Member State / EU level. We therefore very much welcome the Commission consultation on the…

Consultation response

Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, 9 Dec 2020

The proposal to amend the existing EU Aarhus Regulation (1367/EC/2006) aims at extending the rights to seek administrative review of administrative acts of EU institutions (delegated acts, implementing acts and decisions) for environmental NGOs: - Extension to "general acts": While currently a…

Consultation response

Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, 2 Apr 2020

Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) – 02/04/2020 Aarhus Convention in the area of access to justice in environmental matters Aarhus-Roadmap [Ref. Ares(2020)1406501 - 06/03/2020] on Aarhus Regulation 1367/2006 From the point of view of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), the mandatory…

Consultation response

CropLife Europe, 10 Dec 2020

ECPA understands that the proposed revision of EU access to justice rules is necessary in order to address the findings of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee. Potential impact on EU administrative and judicial systems ECPA believes that the proposed changes could expose EU systems to…

Consultation response

BDEW Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e. V., 3 Apr 2020

Der Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW), Berlin, vertritt über 1900 Unternehmen. Die Unternehmen der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft sind von den Regelungen der Aarhus-Konvention und ihrer Umsetzung in das Europäische Recht mit einer Vielzahl von UVP-pflichtigen bzw.…

Consultation response

Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund, 3 Apr 2020

Please find the views of the Federation of Swedish Farmers in the attached file. Kind regards, Åsa Hill LLM

Consultation response

Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl, 3 Apr 2020

Stellungnahme zur Roadmap „EU-Umweltrecht – besserer Zugang zu Gerichten (Aktualisierung der Rechtsvorschriften)“ Ref. Ares(2020)1406501 - 06/03/2020 Grundsätzlich ist das Übereinkommen der Aarhus-Konvention und die Gewährung eines Rechts auf Umweltschutz zu befürworten. Hierbei sind jedoch die…

Consultation response

Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V., 30 Mar 2020

Dear Madame/Sir, As an organisation working on protecting the environment we know about the importance of access to justice for ensuring compliance with EU law and to address the ecological crisis, both at Member State and EU level. We therefore very much welcome the European Commission…

Consultation response

CEE Bankwatch Network, 6 Dec 2020

The Aarhus Convention recognizes, among other things, the importance of fully integrating environmental considerations in governmental decision-making - a goal which has recently received renewed emphasis in the EU, via the EU Green Deal. The Convention further stipulates that effective judicial…

Consultation response

Conféderation Européenne des Propriétaires Forestiers, 8 Dec 2020

The general principles of the Aarhus Convention (AC) are important. However, CEPF has not found support in the AC’s background papers or any primary source of law for the interpretation persistently put forward by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC) which implies a right for basically…

Consultation response

Humane World for Animals Europe, 1 Apr 2020

Humane Society International/Europe (HSI) welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s Roadmap on Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. For far too long, civil society organisations like HSI have faced difficulties in challenging administrative decisions and actions which affect the…

Consultation response

Forum Atomique Européen, 3 Apr 2020

EU environmental law – better access to justice FORATOM response to the Public Consultation FORATOM welcomes the opportunity to participate in the European Commission’s Roadmap [Ares (2020)1406501] and to contribute to the discussions on better access to justice in environmental matters. FORATOM…

Consultation response

Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich, 10 Dec 2020

Aus Sicht der Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich bestehen grundlegende Bedenken zu diesem Entwurf: • Neuer Anwendungsbereich bedroht Rechtssicherheit Der Vorschlag sieht vor, dass Umwelt-NGOs zukünftig auch Verwaltungsakte von allgemeinem Interesse anfechten können. Die Definition beinhaltet…

Consultation response

Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich, 3 Apr 2020

The Austrian Chamber of Agriculture respects the principles of the Aarhus Convention. Access to information, public participation and access to administrative or judicial procedures for decisions that have a significant impact on the environment are important for public participation. Therefore…

Consultation response

Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, 3 Apr 2020

The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) welcomes the roadmap on Access to Justice and emphasize the importance and urgency of the matter. SSNC supports the intention to amend the Aarhus regulation to improve access to justice concerning acts of the EU institutions. This is undeniably…

IHK Nord opposes expanding legal challenges in environmental matters

IHK Nord e.V. - Arbeitsgemeinschaft norddeutscher Industrie- und Handelskammern, 8 Dec 2020

IHK Nord opposes measures to improve access to environmental courts. They want to avoid expanding the group of people allowed to sue.
Maintaining current rules prevents further delays for major infrastructure and planning projects.
Citizens lose the potential right to sue without proving personal injury.

Consultation response

Suomen luonnonsuojeluliitto - The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, 2 Apr 2020

The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation is the oldest and biggest environmental NGO in FInland. We have always been a strong advocate for the Aarhus Convention and so-called third pillar rights both in Finland and in the EU. Within the Finnish legal system, access to justice has long…

EURACOAL rejects expanding environmental NGO legal review rights

European Association for Coal and Lignite, 10 Dec 2020

EURACOAL rejects the proposal because extending legal rights contradicts EU law requiring equal access. The Commission should renegotiate the international treaty instead of changing EU regulations.
This would prevent costly delays and uncertainty for major energy infrastructure investments.
Environmental organizations lose the opportunity to challenge general policy decisions in court.

EURACOAL rejects expanding environmental legal action rights for NGOs

European Association for Coal and Lignite, 3 Apr 2020

The association rejects expanding legal action rights beyond administrative acts to preserve stability. They argue that broad issues like climate change require political rather than judicial decisions. They suggest the Commission should renegotiate the Aarhus Convention internationally instead of amending current regulations.
This approach preserves planning certainty for coal enterprises and prevents infrastructure project delays.
Environmental groups lose the ability to challenge broad policies like climate change through courts.

Consultation response

Federation of Swedish Family Forest Owners, 10 Dec 2020

The Federation of Swedish Family Forest Owners, LRF Forestry, response to the Proposal for an amending Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention The general principles of the Aarhus…

Consultation response

Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo SA - Polish Oil and Gas Company, 3 Apr 2020

• Because of role of gas as a transition fuel, proposed Revision of EU procedural rules under Aarhus Regulation should enable sustainable investments and projects in regards to utilization of natural gas. • Extending the timeline to challenging acts and decisions for qualified NGOs should not…

KGHM warns Aarhus revision threatens green transition investments

KGHM Polska Miedź Spółka Akcyjna, 2 Apr 2020

The organization opposes expanding review access, arguing existing channels are already open. They suggest the revision should not create additional or unnecessary burdens for industry.
This position helps the company avoid legal uncertainties and protects mining investments.
Civil society groups lose improved opportunities to challenge decisions affecting the environment.

Consultation response

LandForst Betriebe Österreich / Association of Austrian Land and Forest Owners, 3 Apr 2020

Der Zugang zu Informationen, die öffentliche Beteiligung bei Umweltangelegenheiten und der Zugang zu Gerichten sind wichtige Bestandteile in einem partizipativen Prozess und die Land&Forst Betriebe Österreich unterstützen die grundsätzlichen Ziele der Aarhus-Konvention. Um diese drei Säulen nicht…

Consultation response

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Waldbesitzerverbände e. V., 9 Dec 2020

Die allgemeinen Grundsätze des Übereinkommens von Aarhus (AC) sind wichtig. In den Hintergrundpapieren der AC oder in anderen primären Rechtsquellen findet sich jedoch kein Anhaltspunkt für die vom Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC) vorgebrachte Interpretation, das jeder oder jede…

Consultation response

Nuclear Transparency Watch, 3 Apr 2020

Nuclear Transparency Watch is a European network of NGOs whose goal is to increase nuclear safety by supporting access to justice and access to information. NTW welcomes the Commission’s efforts to address the findings of EU non-compliance with the Convention by amending the Regulation with…

Consultation response

WWF Portugal, 10 Dec 2020

Delivery of the Green Deal depends on the implementation and enforcement of EU environmental law by EU institutions. To ensure compliance in practice, the EU needs strong mechanisms that allow civil society to hold EU institutions to account when they fail to deliver for the environment and human…

Consultation response

Norra Skog, 9 Dec 2020

Norra Skog would like to provide the following comments on behalf of the 27 000 northern Swedish forest owners who we represent. We response to the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on amending Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the…

Consultation response

Lipu Odv, 3 Apr 2020

Dear Madame/Sir, As an organisation working on protecting the environment we know about the importance of access to justice for ensuring compliance with EU law and to address the ecological crisis, both at Member State and EU level. We therefore very much welcome the European Commission…

Consultation response

European observatory for democracy and peace, 10 Dec 2020

Les bailleurs de fonds européens actives dans les pays voisins sud de l'Europe, dans le cadre de l'AA et de la PEV et dans les domaines relatifs à l'environnement. S'engagent -t -ils à veiller aux respects des droits de groupes vulnérables lors de la réalisation des projets qui ' ils…

Consultation response

, 8 Dec 2020

La Fédération des Forestiers Privés (Fransylva) estime que les principes de la Convention d'Aarhus sont importants, mais ne les voit pas en accord avec l'interprétation avancée par le Comité de conformité de la Convention d'Aarhus affirmant qu'il existe un droit fondamentalement à toute personne ou…

Consultation response

Associazione Italiana Elettrosensibili, 22 Oct 2020

Una iniziativa che porti alla possibilità concreta di accesso alla giustizia a livello EU per tutto ciò che è inerente la legalità delle decisioni prese con ricaduta sull'Ambiente è ... UN MUST! Al di là delle due specifiche richieste di modifica della convenzione Aarhus roportate nel vs…

Consultation response

Instituto Internacional de Derecho y Medio Ambiente, 3 Apr 2020

Instituto Internacional de Derecho y Medio Ambiente (IIDMA) is an environmental law organization established in 1997 to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development through the study, development, implementation and enforcement of the Law. As such we consider of utmost…

Consultation response

ÖKOBÜRO - Allianz der Umweltbewegung, 3 Apr 2020

ÖKOBÜRO–Alliance of the Austrian Environmental Movement welcome the initiative to amend the Aarhus Regulation (EC) 1367/2006 to fully implement the Aarhus Convention, particularly its Article 9(3) and to tackled the findings of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC) in case…

Consultation response

Sdružení vlastníků obecních, soukromých a církevních lesů v ČR, 3 Apr 2020

Cílem Aarhuské úmluvy je usnadnit ochranu a zachování životního prostředí tím, že vyloučí nerovné podmínky v přístupu k právu mezi velkými průmyslovými korporacemi a občany a neziskovými organizacemi s omezenými možnostmi. Sdružení vlastníků obecních a soukromých lesů v ČR (SVOL) se domnívá, žen…

Consultation response

Pravni center za varstvo človekovih pravic in okolja, 1 Apr 2020

Legal informational centre for NGOs (Pravno-informacijski center nevladnih organiazacij – PIC) is a Slovenian NGO working in the fields of human rights and environmental protection. It has a national status of working in public interest in the area of environmental protection. It is dedicated to a…

Consultation response

European Platform Against Windfarms, 31 Mar 2020

From Val Martin, Drumsallagh, Kingscourt, Ireland. 1) It took me 2 days to log in because your site was difficult to access. Few people know about this feedback. After years of dealing with you, I have concluded that you do not want to accept the laws that are in place for access to justice in…

Consultation response

Vernunftkraft Odenwald e.V., 23 Mar 2020

Am 16.11.2016 wurde von Vernunftkraft Odenwald e.V. bei der EU-Komission folgende Beschwerde CHAP(2016)03537 wg. Verstoß gegen EU-Recht eingereicht, weil der Rechtsweg in Deutschland aufgrund fehlender Klagebefugnis nicht offen stand: Verstoß durch Deutschland, hier: Regierungspräsidium…

Consultation response

Senior Corporate Silver Spoon, Environment & Nature Association/Ezüstkanál Nyugdíjas Társasági, Környezet- és természetvédelmi Egyesület, 11 Mar 2020

Dear European Commission, Dear Lady/Sir, Thank you for submitting your Access to Justice in Environmental Matters Roadmap. After reading and thinking about what else to pay attention to in section A, " Problem the initiative aims to tackle” For the further application of the Aarhus Convention.…