MEP Wouter Beke (PPE) has asked the European Commission to consider a comprehensive 'Permitting Omnibus' to address the underlying reasons why permits for industrial projects are often not granted, rather than merely speeding up administrative procedures. The question, submitted on 15 April 2026, targets the Commission's fragmented approach to permitting challenges, which Beke argues stems from strict EU environmental legislation—such as the Nitrates Directive, the Habitats and Birds Directives, and the Water Framework Directive—with near-absolute 'no deterioration' requirements that, combined with national and EU court rulings, create significant barriers for businesses.
Beke's parliamentary question (P-001551/2026) follows the March 2026 European Council conclusions, which explicitly called on the Commission to 'put forward further omnibus and other simplification initiatives, including to further speed up and streamline planning and permitting procedures'. The MEP notes that while the Commission has included permitting provisions in the Net-Zero Industry Act, the Critical Raw Materials Act, and the Industrial Accelerator Act, these focus on procedures rather than root causes. Parallel initiatives like the stress test of the Habitats Directive and a consultation on the Water Framework Directive remain fragmented and sector-specific.
how the Commission will follow up on the European Council conclusions, what further steps will be taken to address root causes, and whether a 'Permitting Omnibus' is being considered to systematically and horizontally tackle permitting barriers across EU legislation. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it intends to pursue a horizontal legislative overhaul or continue with piecemeal sector-specific measures, with implications for business competitiveness, environmental protection, and EU regulatory coherence.