The systematic collection and public disclosure of data on industrial pollution in the European Union began with the establishment of the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR), regulated by Regulation (EC) No. 166/2006. This register represented the European implementation of the UNECE Protocol on PRTR and aimed to provide transparent information on the release of pollutants into air, water, and soil, as well as on the transfer of waste from large industrial installations.
Throughout its implementation, the PRTR has played an important role in strengthening the public's right of access to environmental information and advancing industry accountability. However, its concept was primarily focused on individual pollution streams, while contemporary EU policies require a broader, integrated approach that encompasses not only pollutant emissions but also resource use, energy efficiency, and the broader context of industrial environmental impact.
The previous system (E PRTR), established in 2006, provided basic insight into industrial pollution, but over time it became clear that it did not keep pace with technological change, climate targets, and the public's need for comprehensive and comparable data. Regulation (EU) 2024/1244 therefore aims to improve the quality, availability, and usability of industrial pollution data, as well as to link different aspects of industry's environmental impact into a single information system.
The regulation applies to operators of industrial installations within its scope, which are already regulated by EU regulations in the field of industrial emissions. Operators are required to provide the competent authorities with data on the environmental impact of their installations, in accordance with clearly defined requirements.
Према Уредби (ЕУ) 2024/1244, оператери индустријских инсталација достављају податке о више кључних категорија утицаја на животну средину, укључујући;
The competent authorities of the Member States must verify the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and veracity of the data provided before publication.
The main innovation of the Regulation is the creation of an Industrial Emissions Portal at the European Union level. The portal serves as a public, online database that provides free access to information on industrial pollution across the EU.[еур-леx.еуропа.еу], [леап.унеп.орг]
The website’s purpose is not only to provide information, but also to:
In this way, the principles of the Aarhus Convention, which include the public’s right to access environmental information, are put into practice.
