Integrated pollution prevention and control (Directive 96/91/EEC). Report

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report drafted by Marialiese FLEMMING (EPP-ED, Austria). The vote was adopted by 514 votes in favour, 10 against and 10 abstentions. (Please see the summary of 21/01/04.) Parliament added that the status and role of the information exchange network and the "reference documents" (BREFs) need clarification. The aim of these is to make comparative analyses and to identify and seek to guide the determination of "best available technology" - elements which constitute the directive's cornerstone. Parliament recognised that the BREF definition procedure had not fully reflected the original intentions of Directive 96/61/EC. It asked the Commission, therefore, to establish clear criteria for BAT selection in line with the objectives of the directive, to propose rules for reporting on industry performance levels, and to define transparent decision-making rules for the Technical Working Groups with appropriate conflict management procedures and adequate possibilities to record minority positions. The Commission should also make proposals to strengthen the formal status of NGO participation in the BREF definition procedure and make available financial resources to ensure appropriate participation of the environmental non-governmental sector.�