The future direction of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) has been publicly debated over the last few days, including the question of a potential delay or moratorium on the revision of REACH. While the economic and geopolitical conditions in Europe have certainly worsened this year, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) continues to support targeted improvements to existing chemicals legislation, grounded in science and better regulation principles.
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: a targeted implementation continues to be the priority
The future direction of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) has been publicly debated over the last few days, including the question of a potential delay or moratorium on the revision of REACH. While the economic and geopolitical conditions in Europe have certainly worsened this year, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) continues to support targeted improvements to existing chemicals legislation, grounded in science and better regulation principles.

Throughout the CSS process, we have advocated for proportionate solutions to achieve the European Commission’s objectives, while protecting industry’s ability to innovate and remain competitive. We have provided concrete proposals to the Commission in our responses to the public consultations on REACH and CLP. Just last week, we have published additional proposals specifically linked to the reform of REACH Authorisation and Restriction. Regarding CLP, we have consistently supported addressing new hazard classes first under the United Nationals Globally Harmonized System (UN GHS), to promote an international level playing field and prevent barriers to trade. We understand the Commission is nevertheless pressing ahead with new hazard classes under CLP, before waiting for discussions to take place at UN GHS. We will be providing input and suggestions for improvement on the new hazard classes through the Commission’s request for feedback.
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Environmental Omnibus proposal would simplify regulatory landscape
The European Commission’s Environmental Omnibus proposal is a positive first step towards reducing the administrative and regulatory burdens on businesses operating in the EU. Key measures such as streamlining permitting, simplifying industrial emissions reporting, removing the SCIP database and easing Extended Producer Responsibility schemes would help create more efficient and harmonised processes across the EU. Additionally, the proposal’s indication of upcoming work on the Circular Economy Act and the swift implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation would further support a simplified regulatory environment.
By improving efficiency and predictability, the proposal would help foster a stable, investment-driven market in Europe and reinforce the case for sustainable practices. To fully deliver on the potential to reduce burdens for business, co-legislators must now move the Environmental Omnibus across the finish line. AmCham EU stands ready to serve as a resource in their efforts. These simplification initiatives in environmental regulation are crucial to maintaining Europe’s global standing as a hub for business and innovation.
The Environmental Omnibus proposal is part of the Commission’s simplification agenda and follows its proposed Chemicals Omnibus, which introduced related environmental simplifications in July 2025. These important initiatives continue to drive efforts to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burdens and enhance the EU’s competitiveness.
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Building Europe’s water future, together
Water resilience is becoming increasingly urgent, with global demand expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030. For over two decades, Coca-Cola in Europe has worked to address this challenge through partnerships with more than 30 non-governmental organisations on over 100 projects across the continent. These initiatives range from restoring wetlands in the Danube Basin to supporting water-smart farming in Spain and Sicily. In a new report, Scaling for Impact, developed with GlobeScan, Coca-Cola Europe outlines key success factors for effective water stewardship partnerships. Discover how the company is helping to build a more resilient water future through collaboration and innovation on Invested in Europe.
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Calling for clearer and innovation-friendly chemicals policy
On Monday, 29 September 2025, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable on the future of EU chemicals policy. Opening remarks were delivered by Ana-Maria Blass Rico, Acting Head of Unit, REACH, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs and Paul Speight, Head of Unit, Safe and Sustainable Chemicals, Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission. The discussion focused on the chemicals omnibus, how to simplify REACH and support substitution through innovation. Members highlighted the need for clearer guidance, flexible approaches and realistic timelines to support both safety and competitiveness. The meeting closed with a strong call to ensure that future policy remains practical, innovation-friendly and aligned with Europe’s industrial ambitions.
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