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For the past decade, Europe has been at the forefront of designing strong—but flexible—rules around data use and the safe development of AI. The EU recently announced plans to simplify some key measures around data privacy and AI governance have met with a mixed response from businesses, consumer groups, and data experts.

On Nov. 19, the European Commission, the European Union’s executive body, proposed several changes as part of its “Digital Omnibus” initiative to make compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Act easier for companies, while also attempting to provide more even oversight and enforcement of the rules across the single market. 

EU Plans to Ease Environmental Rules to Accelerate AI Projects — The European Commission has proposed a new measure that could exempt strategic projects, including AI gigafactories, data centers, and affordable housing, from mandatory environmental impact assessments, leaving it to individual member states to decide whether such assessments are needed. The aim is to simplify approval procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance competitiveness.

Broader “Green Simplification” Measures — The proposal also includes:

• Eliminating the hazardous chemicals database;
   
• Relaxing environmental regulations for companies across member states;
   
• Reducing environmental management requirements for agriculture and industry.
  These measures are expected to save businesses around €1 billion annually.
   

Criticism and Concerns — Environmental groups have warned that the proposal could undermine environmental protection, threatening biodiversity and public health. Some studies indicate that bypassing existing environmental laws could result in hidden costs of up to €180 billion per year.

Background and Context — This proposal is part of a broader legal simplification package, running alongside EU initiatives to expand the power grid and implement stricter climate targets. However, the added flexibility has sparked debate over whether it might weaken Europe’s climate commitments.