This Week in Mining — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission refers Finland to Court over Seveso III; Copper approval for biocides extended; Council Decision on dangerous goods carriage; Glass beads imports from China registered for anti-dumping.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission refers Finland to Court over Seveso III; Copper approval for biocides extended; Council Decision on dangerous goods carriage; Glass beads imports from China registered for anti-dumping.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On October 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive (EU) 2022/2555 as regards simplification measures and alignment with the [Proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2]; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures.
European Commission
Commission refers Finland to Court of Justice for Seveso III Directive non-compliance
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Finland (INFR(2020)2218) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to align its national rules with Directive 2012/18/EU (Seveso III). The Directive aims to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances, including chemicals, and applies to approximately 11,000 industrial installations in the EU. The Commission noted that Finland has not correctly transposed the Directive, particularly regarding inspections, access to information, and access to justice. The national rules in Finland do not allow authorities to disclose non-sensitive parts of reports or inventories, nor do they ensure coordination of inspections with other Union legislation. The Commission previously sent a letter of formal notice in July 2020 and a reasoned opinion in December 2025. Efforts by Finnish authorities were deemed insufficient, prompting referral to the Court.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 on amendments to ADR and ADN Agreements for dangerous goods transport
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 of 28 September 2026 establishes the EU position regarding amendments to the Annexes of the ADR and the Regulations annexed to the ADN. These agreements govern the international carriage of dangerous goods by road and inland waterways. The amendments, notified on 1 July and 1 September 2026, aim to reflect scientific and technical progress and the development of new dangerous substances. All EU Member States are ADR Contracting Parties, and 13 are ADN Contracting Parties. The Decision aligns Directive 2008/68/EC with the updated provisions.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2162: Registration of glass beads imports from China for anti-dumping duties
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2162 of 29 September 2026 directs customs authorities to register imports of solid glass microspheres (glass beads) from China. The registration follows an anti-dumping complaint lodged on 24 June 2026 and is pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, Article 14(5). The product concerned falls under specified CN and TARIC codes and is not to exceed 2 mm in diameter. Registration is valid for nine months and may allow retroactive levying of duties, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2134: Extension of approval for copper, granulated, in biocidal products
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2134 postpones the expiry date of approval for copper, granulated, as an active substance in biocidal products (product-type 8) to 31 July 2029. The original approval was set to expire on 31 December 2026. The extension is granted due to delays in the renewal evaluation process by the French competent authority and the European Chemicals Agency, which are beyond the applicant's control. Copper remains approved under the conditions established in Regulation (EU) 2016/1094.
EU Council
Informal meeting of energy ministers, Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council
An informal meeting of EU energy ministers was held on 28 September 2026.
