The European Non-Energy Extractive Industry Panel (NEEIP) has published a joint position paper focusing on the revision of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its implications for the competitiveness of the European non-energy extractive sector.
Key Highlights:
- The document presents the concerns of leading industry associations, including Euromines, Aggregates Europe-UEPG, Cerame-Unie, European Carbon and Graphite Association (ECGA), The European Cement Association (CEMBUREAU), European & International Federation of Natural Stone Industries (EUROROC), European Expanded Clay Association (EXCA), Industrial Minerals Europe (IMA-Europe), Association des Producteurs Européens de Potasse (APEP).
- The paper advocates for adjustments to the WFD to ensure that water management practices do not hinder essential industrial activities, such as those vital to the extraction of natural resources in Europe.
- Specific recommendations are made for modifying articles related to the extension of deadlines for achieving good water status, adjusting “non-deterioration” clauses, and expanding exemptions for essential industrial activities.
- The paper also emphasises the need for transparency, legal certainty, and stakeholder involvement in the prioritization of hazardous substances in EU waters.
Key Proposals include:
- A realistic extension of the deadline for achieving good water status.
- Amendments to the “no further deterioration” requirement, which is currently difficult to meet under existing strict interpretations.
- Support for maintaining the current legislative process under Article 16 regarding strategies against water pollution, ensuring a more transparent and inclusive review process.
- Stronger safeguards for industrial projects, ensuring the future sustainability of European extractive industries while maintaining high environmental standards.
This joint position paper represents a united stance from across the non-energy extractive industry, calling for a balanced approach that supports both environmental protection and industrial competitiveness in Europe.
To access the full paper and review the detailed position of the European non-energy extractive industry, please refer to the document below.