This report aims to update the current directive on environmental impact assessments (2011/92/EU), setting out procedures and criteria to ensure the environmental sustainability of projects that fall within its scope. This revision is necessary in order to tighten up the rules, taking into account political, legal and technical developments in recent years and to bring the legislation into line with current EU environmental priorities such as biodiversity, the use of natural resources, climate change, as well as natural and man-made disaster risks.
The overall aim is to set in place a more harmonised and effective environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure with less administrative burdens and with overriding benefits for the environment and human health. A strengthened EIA directive will deliver these benefits through more efficient, simplified procedures and will provide a level playing field for projects and for economic activities.