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OVAM | Priorities for the EU mandate 2024-2029

22 October 2024 Members' News

OVAM has established its priorities for the EU mandate 2024-2029, emphasising its expertise in waste, materials, and soil policy while promoting the transition to a circular economy. A key goal for OVAM is to meet societal needs with fewer resources and a reduced environmental impact, aligning its priorities with the Council Conclusions on the 8th Environmental Action Programme Mid-term Review and recognising the achievements under the European Green Deal.

Central to OVAM’s approach is the principle of prevention, which should be integrated across all future legislation. This principle encompasses not just waste reduction but also decreased material consumption, reduced environmental and health impacts, and lower levels of hazardous substances in materials and products. OVAM advocates for strengthening prevention provisions in both the Waste Framework Directive and specific waste stream legislation, such as the WEEE Directive, by providing clearer guidance for Member States on effective prevention programs, setting targets for prevention and reuse, and integrating prevention elements into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions.

Source: https://ovam-english.vlaanderen.be