Votes · 20 October 2026
Suspending the application of the rules on extended producer responsibility for batteries and waste batteries and packaging and packaging waste (Omnibus VIII on environmental legislation)
This vote is about suspending some recycling rules for battery and packaging producers.
Background
Under extended producer responsibility, companies pay for the collection and recycling of their products once they become waste and currently have to appoint a representative in every EU country where they sell. In its December 2025 environmental simplification ‘omnibus’ package, the Commission proposed suspending this obligation for batteries and packaging. Parliament is adopting its negotiating position, led by Ingeborg ter Laak (EPP); the final text still has to be negotiated with member states.
- Suspends the obligation to appoint a representative in each country until 2035, or until a future circular economy act is adopted.
- Limits the suspension to micro and small enterprises established in the EU, whereas the Commission proposed it for all EU producers.
- Keeps producers’ other obligations in place, such as paying fees for waste management.
Adopted: 616 for, 9 against, 39 abstentions, 56 did not vote.
Reference: A10-0266/2026