The EU will reduce emissions from agriculture and mining

The EU Council announced that it has agreed new rules to reduce harmful emissions from industry, negotiated between member states and the European Parliament (EP).

Under the new rules, harmful emissions and waste from industrial facilities, including large animal farms, mixing with air, water and soil will be reduced.

Pollution such as nitrogen oxide, ammonia, mercury, methane and carbon dioxide from industrial facilities will be subject to stricter rules.

The new rules will be introduced gradually, starting with the largest farms from 2030.

NEW RULES IN MINING

The new rules will also cover mining activities, which include the extraction and processing of industrially produced minerals such as iron, copper, gold, nickel and platinum. The scope of the regulations may be expanded in accordance with the review and legislative proposal carried out by the Commission.

The scope of the industrial emissions recording system in Europe will also be expanded. Member States will establish effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for those who violate the new rules. Administrative fines will be calculated at least 3 percent of the annual turnover of the company that violates emission standards in EU countries.

After this stage, official approval from member states and the EP is required for the new rules to come into force. (AA)