Environmental Audits: EPP Group denounces new red tape for industry and business

The EPP Group today voted against a proposal to review the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. With the amendments introduced by the Socialists, Liberals and Greens, the proposal will add new red tape for industry and business in Europe, making new investments even more difficult in these times of economic slowdown.

“We cannot accept that the European Parliament puts additional pressure on business in these economically hard times, making new investments more difficult with a negative impact in creating new jobs, especially in times where many countries are suffering their highest levels of unemployment in history”, said Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines MEP, the EPP Group’s Spokeswoman on the proposal.

“Our ultimate goal is to reduce the administrative burden without compromising the EU's environmental objectives, simplifying the process to create new projects and making a common standard legislation. The EPP Group cannot add supplementary burden to those enterprises which are the biggest suppliers of jobs in the EU. We cannot be irresponsible", underlined Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines MEP.

The EPP Group calls on the EU Council to review the proposal as it was adopted in plenary by a narrow majority.