Written question – European rules on waste incineration and the impact on smaller Member States – E-002469/2025

Question for written answer  E-002469/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Alex Agius Saliba (S&D)

Following reports[1] in my Member State, Malta, on the topic of waste incineration, and false claims that this facility can negatively affect the population, I would like to request some clarification in order to be able to debunk potential misinterpretation of the European rules. In the particular case of Malta, due to the limited physical space on the islands, we cannot rely on landfill for non-recyclable waste as a solution, and waste incineration is an important part of our waste management system.

• 1.Could the Commission confirm that waste incineration will continue to be allowed under the relevant EU rules, such as the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) or other legal requirements?
• 2.Does the Commission take into account the physical limitations of small island Member States when making its policy on waste management and circularity?
• 3.Could the Commission clarify what is expected from waste incineration plants to comply with European requirements under, for example, the best available techniques principles and how the prescribed environmental impact assessment (EIA) gives assurances on air quality and other aspects that are important for neighbouring inhabitants?

Submitted: 18.6.2025

• [1] https://timesofmalta.com/article/no-ecohive-save-lives-residents-protest-planned-waste-incinerator.1109520, and https://timesofmalta.com/article/wasteserv-complains-standards-commissioner.1109939.