Overview of Recent Legislative Developments
Directive (EU) 2024/1785 on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe
This directive establishes stricter limit and target values for pollutants—including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide—to be achieved by 2030. It mandates the implementation of detailed air quality plans for zones exceeding these limits and introduces a standardized air quality index. Furthermore, it creates a legal framework for citizens to seek compensation for health damages resulting from breaches of these air quality standards.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 laying down harmonized rules on artificial intelligence (AI Act)
The Regulation establishes a risk-based classification system for AI systems, ranging from “minimal” to “unacceptable.” It imposes specific transparency requirements for general-purpose AI models and bans practices such as cognitive behavioral manipulation, social scoring, and real-time remote biometric identification in public spaces for law enforcement, subject to narrow exceptions. High-risk systems are subject to mandatory conformity assessments, data governance standards, and human oversight requirements.
Directive (EU) 2024/1760 on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
This legislation requires large companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts on human rights (such as child labor or forced labor) and environmental standards (such as pollution or biodiversity loss) within their own operations, their subsidiaries, and their established business chains. Companies are obligated to adopt and implement a transition plan to ensure their business model is compatible with the 1.5°C global warming limit set by the Paris Agreement.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 on Shipments of Waste
The regulation prohibits the export of hazardous waste from the EU to non-OECD countries and restricts the export of non-hazardous plastic waste to countries that do not meet strict environmental management criteria. It mandates the digitalization of procedures for waste shipments and requires facilities in destination countries to undergo independent audits to prove they are treating waste in an environmentally sound manner.
