Workshop Report: Addressing permitting in the EU: Challenges & opportunities

On 2 December 2024, IOGP Europe co-organized a workshop with DG GROW, European Commission bringing together policymakers, energy leaders, energy-intensive industries, and regulators. The event provided a platform for diverse industries to discuss key challenges in the permitting process and explore solutions to enhance EU competitiveness.

The discussion focused on regulatory bottlenecks, administrative inefficiencies, legal uncertainties, and the need for digitalization and streamlined processes. Participants emphasized the importance of harmonized EU-wide permitting standards, enhanced administrative capacity, and increased political commitment to accelerate approvals.

The workshop highlighted the urgent need for permitting reform to support the EU’s green transition while maintaining economic competitiveness. Key takeaways include the necessity of digital transformation, streamlined regulatory processes, and stronger political commitment. Best practices from global leaders in permitting efficiency can serve as valuable models for the EU to adopt. Future efforts should focus on regulatory clarity, improved inter-agency coordination, and structured engagement with stakeholders to achieve a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable permitting system.

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