Study to analyse differences in costs of implementing EU policy : project under DG Environment's Framework contract for economic analysis

This study assesses if there are differences in the costs of implementation of EU environmental law across Member States. Identifying differences can show where there is scope for best practice to be adopted to cut costs. This study is relevant for the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT). A critical issue in the context of REFIT is to identify the extent to which costs arising from the implementation of EU law arise directly from that law (and thus apply to all those affected) and the extent to which they arise from the decisions of MS in how the EU law is to be implemented. Identifying these differences is critical if decisions for simplification arising from REFIT are to lead to changes on the ground for businesses and individuals. Differences in the costs of implementation of EU environmental law are also a risk to implementation and present unnecessary burdens on individuals and businesses potentially affecting their competitiveness. The focus is on administrative costs (procedures to follow, monitoring, reporting, delays, 'hassle', etc.) as they are easier to compare on a like-for-like basis than technical compliance costs (e.g. installing new water treatment equipment). This project included a literature review followed by four case studies to frame the collection and analysis of new primary data on administrative costs. These were: - Permitting under the Industrial Emissions Directive - Implementation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive - Time for decision making under the Habitats Directive - Costs of producer responsibility schemes under the End of Life Vehicles Directive