Interpretation of definitions of certain project categories of annex I and II of the EIA Directive

This document aims to reduce the uncertainty surrounding the scope of the EIA Directive and the meaning of certain project definitions in the EIA Directive so as to ensure that those projects likely to have significant effects on the environment do not fall outside the scope of the Directive due to issues of interpretation. The objective of this guidance is two-fold. Firstly, the document aims to improve understanding of what can be reasonably considered to be covered by certain project categories that have proved particularly difficult to interpret in practice. Secondly, the document is intended to provide an overview of existing useful sources of information at EU level, including rulings of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), definitions provided in other directives and relevant guidance documents.