EU Legislation/ Policy

EU directives, regulations and examples

EU Directive

Law that applies to each member state, must be implemented within a specific time limit.

Member states choose how they implement it

EU Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive

Aims to reduce environmental impact of single use plastics (items used once/for short period before being thrown away)

Introduced July 2021

SUP Market restrictions

Following items banned (plastic):

Single-use cutlery

Plates

Stirrers

Balloon sticks

SUP Design requirements

Beverage containers (≤ 3 litres) must have tethered caps

Pet bottles must be at least 25% recycled plastic - in 2030 this will go to 30%

Separate collection of bottles for collection -DRS Scheme Feb 2024

Eu Regulations

Law that is introduced and enforced uniformly across all member states

Self-executing - they take precedence over country’s own laws

Implemented at the same time in all membrer states

Air Passenger Rights Regulation

Establishes rules on compensation and assistance for airline passengers in the event of flight cancellations, delays or being denied boarding.

Key protections of Air Passenger Rights Regulation

Assistance - must provide meals, refreshments & accomodation in significant delays

Compensation - Passengers can claim €250-€600 for flight cancellations, delays over 3 hours of if denied boarding (except when airline has reasonable grounds to refuse boarding)

Reimbursement/re-routing - Refunds/alternative travel for cancelled/heavily delayed flights

Information - passengers must be informed of their rights and reasons for disruption