What may – or may not – make it into the Circular Economy Act? One of the questions asked in Brussels this week, alongside growing uncertainty over PPWR grouped-packaging rules and preparations for the debate on ETS reform.
PPWR grouped packaging rules raise legal uncertainty: On 7 May, a parliamentary question asked the Commission how it interprets the concept of packaging ‘necessary for handling’ under Annex V, Row 1, of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Critical raw materials implementing regulation published: On 26 May, an implementing regulation under the Critical Raw Materials Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the EU, setting out products, components and waste streams considered to have relevant potential for recovery of critical raw materials.
CJEU to assess legality of wastewater EPR scheme: On 20 May, the Irish High Court issued a judgment referring questions to the Court of Justice of the EU on the validity and proportionality of the extended producer responsibility scheme under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Commission explores low-carbon steel ecodesign rules: On 20 May, the Commission opened a call for evidence on ecodesign requirements for iron and steel products, with feedback open until 12 August.
Taxonomy advisers issue 280 recommendations on delegated acts: On 27 May, the Platform on Sustainable Finance published its response to the Commission’s consultation on revised Climate and Environmental Delegated Acts under the Taxonomy Regulation. The Platform, an advisory body to the Commission, reviewed the draft Climate Delegated Act and Environmental Delegated Act, submitting 280 recommendations.
Commission prepares debate on ETS reform: On 26 May, a draft Commission agenda indicated that Commissioners are expected to hold an orientation debate on the EU Emissions Trading System on 24 June, ahead of the planned review on 15 July. Moreover, the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee will hold a 2 June public hearing on the current performance and future development of the EU ETS, while the Commission has pushed the electrification action plan and network charges proposal to 22 July.
Germany targets bisphenols in new EU restriction file: On 27 May, ECHA indicated in its restriction process entry that Germany had submitted an intention to restrict bisphenols with endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment and their salts.
BusinessEurope new president: On 20 May, BusinessEurope elected Maciej Witucki as its new president, according to his profile and the organisation’s annual meeting conclusions. Witucki, chair of Poland’s Confederation Lewiatan, will start on 1 July for a two-year term, taking over from Fredrik Persson, whose profile notes his presidency since 2022.
