Text · Amendment list
Amending Directive 2007/2/EC as regards simplification of certain requirements for the establishment of the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the Union
Document ENVI-AM-789937 · COM(2025)0985 – C100338/2025 – 2025/0393(COD)
- Kind
- Amendment list ENVI-AM-789937
- Date
- 11 June 2026
- Committee
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
- Dossier
- 2025-0393
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- Reference
- COM(2025)0985 – C100338/2025 – 2025/0393(COD)
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| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2a) High-quality, reliable and comparable environmental data are an essential prerequisite for the design, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of Union environmental legislation and policies. Such data support evidence-based decision-making across a wide range of policy areas, including biodiversity protection, water management, soil monitoring, pollution prevention and climate adaptation. They are also indispensable for monitoring progress towards key Union objectives, including climate neutrality by 2050 and the achievement of healthy soils by 2050, in line with the Union's zero-pollution ambition. Maintaining the availability, accessibility and usability of environmental information therefore remains essential to ensuring a high level of environmental protection across the Union. |
Reliable and comparable environmental data are necessary not only for environmental reporting but also for monitoring progress towards key Union environmental and climate objective
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) The availability, accessibility and interoperability of environmental spatial data can contribute significantly to reducing administrative burdens and improving the efficiency, quality and reliability of administrative procedures. Better access to environmental information can facilitate environmental assessments, permitting procedures and public decision-making processes, while maintaining a high level of environmental protection. The effective sharing and re-use of environmental information should therefore be regarded as an important component of better regulation and more efficient environmental governance. |
Environmental data are not only a tool for reporting and monitoring but also an important enabler of more efficient administrative procedures and better implementation of environmental legislation.
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) Rural, agricultural, forest, coastal, mountainous, island and outermost regions are particularly dependent on reliable spatial and environmental data for the management of water, soil, natural hazards, erosion, fires, biodiversity, agricultural and fishing activities and territorial planning. The implementation of this Directive should take into account their specific constraints and not exacerbate regional digital divides. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4a) Reliable spatial and environmental data is essential in order to measure and prevent land take, diffuse pollution, damage to water resources, the degradation of agricultural land, industrial hazards and environmental pressures linked to imports or globalised supply chains. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Directive 2007/2/EC contains reference to third parties, whereas Directive (EU) 2019/1024, which applies to public sector bodies and public undertakings, does not extend to private entities or businesses. To ensure coherence with the Directive (EU) 2019/102410 , the reference to third parties should be deleted. | Directive 2007/2/EC contains reference to third parties, whereas Directive (EU) 2019/1024, which applies to public sector bodies and public undertakings, does not extend to private entities or businesses. To ensure coherence with the Directive (EU) 2019/102410 , the reference to third parties should be deleted. Directive 2007/2/EC should not be construed as requiring private entities to disclose spatial data, commercial or industrial information, trade secrets, know-how, intellectual property or other commercially sensitive information protected under Union or national law. Matters relating to private-sector data access or sharing should remain governed by applicable horizontal Union data legislation and national law. |
| 10 Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on open data and the re-use of public sector information (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 56, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1024/oj). | 10 Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on open data and the re-use of public sector information (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 56, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1024/oj). |
INSPIRE should remain focused on public-sector spatial data. It should not become a back door for mandatory disclosure of private data, trade secrets or commercially sensitive information.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Directive 2007/2/EC contains reference to third parties, whereas Directive (EU) 2019/1024, which applies to public sector bodies and public undertakings, does not extend to private entities or businesses. To ensure coherence with the Directive (EU) 2019/102410 , the reference to third parties should be deleted. | Directive 2007/2/EC contains reference to third parties, whereas Directive (EU) 2019/1024, which applies to public sector bodies and public undertakings, does not extend to private entities or businesses. Directive 2007/2/EC should continue to govern the linking of third parties data sets to relevant services on a voluntary basis. Such voluntary contributions should be possible where those data sets comply with the applicable requirements under Union law on data governance and data sharing9a, in particular as regards metadata, quality, access conditions and interoperability. |
| 9a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Regulations (EU) 2016/679, (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2018/1725, (EU) 2023/2854 and Directives 2002/58/EC, (EU) 2022/2555 and (EU) 2022/2557 as regards the simplification of the digital legislative framework, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1807, (EU) 2019/1150, (EU) 2022/868, and Directive (EU) 2019/1024 (Digital Omnibus). | |
| 10 Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on open data and the re-use of public sector information (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 56, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1024/oj). | 10 Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on open data and the re-use of public sector information (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 56, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1024/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Articles 7 and 8 of Directive 2007/2/EC empowers the Commission to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and services. They also set out the conditions for and the content of those implementing rules. Article 5(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 establishes that public sector bodies and public undertakings are to make their documents available in any pre-existing format or language and, where possible and appropriate, by electronic means, in formats that are open, machine-readable, accessible, findable and re-usable, together with their metadata. Both the format and the metadata is, where possible, to comply with formal open standards. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. Since the interoperability requirements for open data apply to spatial data, the empowerment to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and related provisions should be deleted. | (8) Articles 7 and 8 of Directive 2007/2/EC empowers the Commission to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and services. They also set out the conditions for and the content of those implementing rules. Article 5(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 establishes that public sector bodies and public undertakings are to make their documents available in any pre-existing format or language and, where possible and appropriate, by electronic means, in formats that are open, machine-readable, accessible, findable and re-usable, together with their metadata. Both the format and the metadata is, where possible, to comply with formal open standards. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. Since the interoperability requirements for open data apply to spatial data, the empowerment to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and related provisions should be deleted. In order to ensure non-discriminatory, cross-border and genuinely interoperable access to spatial data, it should, however, continue to be stipulated that spatial data sets, spatial data services and application programming interfaces be based on open, documented and manufacturer-neutral standards, in particular relevant standards of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and specifications of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). |
The removal of detailed technical requirements should not result in the de facto elimination of the geo-specific dimension of interoperability. Open and standardised geo-specific interfaces and data models remain essential for the practical cross-border usability of environmental and spatial data and for preventing technical fragmentation within the European data space. Open APIs (application programming interfaces) alone do not ensure effective interoperability.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Articles 7 and 8 of Directive 2007/2/EC empowers the Commission to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and services. They also set out the conditions for and the content of those implementing rules. Article 5(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 establishes that public sector bodies and public undertakings are to make their documents available in any pre-existing format or language and, where possible and appropriate, by electronic means, in formats that are open, machine-readable, accessible, findable and re-usable, together with their metadata. Both the format and the metadata is, where possible, to comply with formal open standards. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. Since the interoperability requirements for open data apply to spatial data, the empowerment to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and related provisions should be deleted. | Articles 7 and 8 of Directive 2007/2/EC empower the Commission to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and services. They also set out the conditions for and the content of those implementing rules. Article 5(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 establishes that public sector bodies and public undertakings are to make their documents available in any pre-existing format or language and, where possible and appropriate, by electronic means, in formats that are open, machine-readable, accessible, findable and re-usable, together with their metadata. Both the format and the metadata should, where possible, comply with formal open standards. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. While avoiding duplication with horizontal Union data legislation, simplification should not lead to a reduction in the comparability, consistency or interoperability of environmental spatial data across the Union. Therefore, the deletion of the empowerment to adopt implementing rules laying down technical arrangements for the interoperability and, where practicable, harmonisation of spatial data sets and related provisions should be accompanied by the continued use of open standards and by the preservation of effective arrangements that support cross-border usability of spatial information. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8a) The removal of overly rigid technical requirements should not lead to the abandonment of a common framework for the interoperability of spatial data. The implementation of this Directive should therefore continue to promote the use of recognised open standards, semantic coherence, cross-border compatibility and integration between data from different administrative sources and levels. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive sets out that the Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be deleted. | Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive sets out that the Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be deleted. Any remaining requirements concerning discovery, access, viewing or downloading of spatial data should be implemented through existing national, regional, local or Union data infrastructures, where appropriate, and should not require Member States or public authorities to maintain parallel systems, establish new network services, apply additional technical requirements or introduce additional reporting obligations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be deleted. | (10) Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements for spatial data services should be simplified and modernised in a technology-neutral manner. Member States should ensure that spatial data sets and spatial data services, including API-based delivery modes, are accessible through open, standardised and interoperable interfaces. These services and interfaces should be based on open and manufacturer-neutral geo-specific standards, in particular relevant ISO standards and specifications of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). |
The Union-wide usability of spatial data continues to require interoperable geo-specific interfaces. The modernisation of the INSPIRE Directive should explicitly require technology-neutral and API-based delivery modes. This can ensure that the simplification of existing network service requirements does not lead to incompatible or proprietary stand-alone solutions.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive sets out that the Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be deleted. | Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive sets out that the Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the current requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be deleted, while preserving the possibility for voluntary third-party contributions, consistently with other Union law on data governance and data sharing9a. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive sets out that the Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be deleted. | Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC specify that Member States are to establish and operate a network of services for the discovery, viewing, download, transformation and invoking of spatial data sets, and ensure that public authorities and third parties can link their spatial data sets and services to that network. Directive (EU) 2019/1024 sets the legal framework for open data and introduces the concept of high-value datasets, defined as data that is associated with important benefits for society and the economy when reused, which includes spatial data sets. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, high-value datasets are to be made available for re-use in machine-readable format, via suitable application programming interfaces and, where relevant, as a bulk download. Pursuant to Article 1(7) of Directive (EU) 2019/1024, that Directive sets out that the Directive governs the re-use of existing documents held by public sector bodies and public undertakings of the Member States, including documents to which Directive 2007/2/EC applies. To ensure consistency with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and to avoid overlapping provisions, the requirements to establish and operate a network for spatial data services in Directive 2007/2/EC should be lightened and limited to the clarification on how Member States can use appropriate technical arrangements for discovery and access. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) The simplification of technical requirements should not lead to the loss of the geospatial expertise acquired since the entry into force of Directive 2007/2/EC or to the lowering of standards for the quality, traceability and interoperability of environmental data. Member States have to be able to maintain or enhance their national and sub-national infrastructure where it works effectively. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) This Directive shall not be used as a basis for an extension of Union competences in the field of environmental monitoring, spatial planning or land use. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10b) This Directive shall not give rise to additional financial or technical obligations for Member States, regions or local authorities without adequate Union financial support. |
New data requirements generate significant IT and personnel costs that cannot be unilaterally passed on to national and regional authorities.
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11a) The spatial and environmental data necessary for the protection of public health, water, soil, the air, forests, the coastline and biodiversity, as well as for the prevention of natural and industrial hazards, should be accessible free of charge to the public, public authorities and local and regional authorities, subject to those restrictions that are strictly necessary for public security, national defence, the protection of personal data and the protection of sensitive infrastructure. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11b) Open spatial and environmental data has to contribute to environmental protection, the provision of information to the public, action by local and regional authorities, scientific research, the prevention of natural and industrial hazards, and the sustainable management of water, soil, forests, the coastline and biodiversity. It is not to lead to the mass collection of public data, including environmental data, by a few large digital platforms, or to such data being reused for purposes that run counter to the public interest. The conditions for the data’s reuse should prevent practices involving the exclusive appropriation, technical blocking or improper resale of data produced or financed by public authorities. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) ] Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions11, on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted. | (12) ] Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions40, on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted. The failure to update or the discontinuation of the INSPIRE geo-portal should not lead to the weakening of national, regional or sub-national spatial data infrastructure. National spatial data portals remain essential in order to ensure the quality, update, contextualisation and accessibility of data produced by the public authorities of Member States. The European portal data.europa.eu should facilitate the discovery and interconnection of such data, without replacing existing national infrastructure or calling into question Member States’ authority to organise their own data systems. |
| 40 Decision from April 2021? | 40 Decision from April 2021? |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions11, on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted. | (12) Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions40, on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the Inspire geo-portal’s functionalities should be integrated into the European data portal, thereby ensuring appropriate geo-spatial search, map view and spatial dataset download functionalities. These functionalities should enable users to search for spatial data by map point or area, view relevant spatial datasets on a map, display and hide thematic layers, access the relevant metadata and clearly identify the source of these data and the public authority responsible for them. |
| 40 Decision from April 2021? | 40 Decision from April 2021? |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions40 , on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted. | Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions40 , on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted. The use of data.europa.eu should build on existing national, regional and local portals, catalogues and harvesting mechanisms, and should not require Member States or public authorities to duplicate datasets, maintain parallel publication systems or create new administrative reporting channels. |
| 40 Decision from April 2021? | 40 Decision from April 2021? |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12) ] Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions40, on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted. | (12) ] Article 15 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires the Commission to establish and operate an Inspire geo-portal. That portal has functioned as the central European access point to the data provided by Member States and EFTA countries under Directive 2007/2/EC. The portal allows monitoring of the availability of datasets , discovery of suitable datasets based on their descriptions, and access to selected datasets through their view or download services. Since 2021, the website data.europa.eu acts as a single access point for open data published by Union Institutions40, on national portals of Member States and third countries, as well as by international organisations. To avoid duplication of access to spatial data sets and to reduce administrative burden, the obligation on the Commission to operate the Inspire geo-portal should be deleted, without this entailing an obligation to use another Union-wide data portal. The decision to use national or Union-wide data portals remains with the Member States. |
| 40 Decision from April 2021? | 40 Decision from April 2021? |
The deletion of the INSPIRE geo-portal must not result in Member States being effectively directed to use another Union-wide data portal. The decision as to whether and through which portals spatial data sets are made available must remain with the Member States.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (12a) The simplification of the obligations laid down by Directive 2007/2/EC should not adversely affect the quality, reliability, discoverability, interoperability and semantic coherence of spatial datasets that have already been made available through Union, national, regional and local infrastructures. The transition towards a framework that is more aligned with horizontal Union data legislation should preserve the added value of the European infrastructure for spatial information, avoiding methodological fragmentation among Member States and different levels of public administration. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (13) Article 16 of Directive 2007/2/EC sets out and empowerment for the Commission to adopt technical specifications and minimum performance criteria for network services referred to in Articles 11 and 12 of that Directive. Since Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC are being deleted that empowerment is no longer needed. | Article 16 of Directive 2007/2/EC sets out and empowerment for the Commission to adopt technical specifications and minimum performance criteria for network services referred to in Articles 11 and 12 of that Directive. Since Articles 11 and 12 of Directive 2007/2/EC are being partially deleted that empowerment is no longer needed. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Article 17 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires Member States to adopt measures that make it possible for spatial data collected at one level of public authority to be shared between all the different levels of public authorities and to ensure that spatial data and services are made available under conditions that do not restrict their extensive use. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, data is open-by-default which also applies to spatial data, including spatial datasets falling within the scope of Directive 2007/2/EC. Article 17 should therefore be deleted for the purpose of simplifying the legal framework and avoiding overlapping rules. | Article 17 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires Member States to adopt measures that make it possible for spatial data collected at one level of public authority to be shared between all the different levels of public authorities and to ensure that spatial data and services are made available under conditions that do not restrict their extensive use. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, data is open-by-default which also applies to spatial data, including spatial datasets falling within the scope of Directive 2007/2/EC. Article 17 should therefore be deleted for the purpose of simplifying the legal framework and avoiding overlapping rules. That deletion should not prevent public authorities from accessing or exchanging spatial data where appropriate for the performance of public tasks and in accordance with Union and national law. Such access and exchange should rely on existing Union and national measures and infrastructures where possible, and should remain subject to applicable restrictions protecting public security, public order, national defence, international relations, the security of network and information systems, critical infrastructure, commercial or industrial confidentiality, trade secrets, intellectual property rights, personal data and other legitimate public or private interests protected under Union or national law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14) Article 17 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires Member States to adopt measures that make it possible for spatial data collected at one level of public authority to be shared between all the different levels of public authorities and to ensure that spatial data and services are made available under conditions that do not restrict their extensive use. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, data is open-by-default which also applies to spatial data, including spatial datasets falling within the scope of Directive 2007/2/EC. Article 17 should therefore be deleted for the purpose of simplifying the legal framework and avoiding overlapping rules. | Article 17 of Directive 2007/2/EC requires Member States to adopt measures that make it possible for spatial data collected at one level of public authority to be shared between all the different levels of public authorities and to ensure that spatial data and services are made available under conditions that do not restrict their extensive use. Pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024, data is open-by-default which also applies to spatial data, including spatial datasets falling within the scope of Directive 2007/2/EC. Article 17 should therefore focus on ensuring that public authorities are able to access and exchange spatial data necessary for the performance of public tasks with an environmental impact, in order to simplify the legal framework and to avoid overlapping rules. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) Given the strategic importance of spatial data falling within the scope of Directive 2007/2/EC, it should be ensured that these spatial data are collected, stored, processed and protected on European soil and under European legal jurisdiction. This will strengthen legal certainty, bolster trust in public-sector data sharing and align the GreenData4All framework with the Union’s digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and strategic autonomy objectives. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (14a) In view of the strategic importance of spatial data falling within the scope of Directive 2007/2/EC, it should be ensured that such spatial data is collected, stored, processed and protected on European soil and under European jurisdiction in order to strengthen legal certainty for public sector data, as part of the Union’s objectives on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity and strategic autonomy. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (21a) Intergenerational fairness requires future-oriented policies that take into account the long-term consequences that decisions that are taken today have for future generations, particularly as regards environmental and social matters. This principle is particularly relevant to the collection, processing and publication of spatial data, as such data are increasingly used to inform policy choices that have lasting effects on the environment, land-use planning, risk prevention and quality of life. In this context, the use of advanced digital tools, including systems based on artificial intelligence, should also go hand-in-hand with appropriate safeguards on data quality, reliability, transparency, traceability and public oversight. The transition from the INSPIRE Directive to a GreenData4All framework that is fit for the challenges ahead is therefore an opportunity to ensure that the evolution of the European spatial data ecosystem supports responsible, sustainable and long-term oriented public decisions. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25) Since the objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the scale or effects of the action, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. | (25) Since the objectives of this Directive can be achieved by the Member States but can, by reason of the scale or effects of the action, be supported at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives. However, national spatial data infrastructures remain primarily the responsibility of the Member States. Union action under this Directive should be limited to ensuring the necessary interoperability between those infrastructures in order to facilitate cross-border cooperation, without impinging on the national organisation, governance or hosting of those infrastructures. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25 a) Several Union legal acts rely on Directive 2007/2/EC for technical formats, data specifications and public access to spatial data, including for environmental reporting aligned through Regulation (EU) 2019/1010 and for the monitoring and reporting obligations laid down in Chapter IV of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991, the progress reports under which are to be made publicly available in accordance with this Directive. Where this Directive removes harmonised data specifications or the obligation to provide network services, the data-related and public-access obligations in those acts should not require a level of harmonisation or accessibility that this Directive no longer ensures. Where the Commission assesses Member States' compliance or progress on the basis of spatial data that is no longer subject to harmonised specifications, it should take due account of differences in the granularity, quality and methodology of the underlying national data, so as to ensure a level playing field between Member States. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25a) The protection of certain spatial data relating to critical infrastructure and critical entities is integral to public security and the resilience of Member States. In accordance with Directive (EU) 2022/2555 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS 2) and Directive (EU) 2022/2557 on the resilience of critical entities (CER), Member States should be able to restrict access to certain spatial data where its dissemination could undermine the security or resilience of critical infrastructure or entities. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (-1) the following article is inserted: | |
| ‘Article 1a | |
| The discontinuation of the INSPIRE geo-portal shall not undermine Member States’ responsibility for the organisation, management, maintenance and development of their national, regional or sub-national spatial data portals. | |
| National portals shall remain the main access points to spatial datasets produced or maintained by the public authorities of Member States. | |
| The European portal data.europa.eu shall facilitate the discovery, interconnection and reuse of such data, without replacing existing national infrastructure.’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) in Article 3, points 5, 7, 8 and 10 are deleted; | in Article 3, points 5, 7, and 8 are deleted; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) in Article 3, points 5, 7, 8 and 10 are deleted; | in Article 3, points 5 and 10 are deleted; |
The definitions of "interoperability" (point 7) and "spatial object" (point 8) are not obsolete; they establish a common understanding of the key components of the geospatial framework, as noted by several delegations in the Council. They remain necessary if a minimum level of interoperability is preserved in the Directive.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1a) The following definition is added to Article 3 (11): | |
| 10a. ‘application programming interface’ or ‘API’ means a machine-readable web interface enabling automated access to, and the sharing and re-use of, spatial data through open, documented and interoperable standards. |
It is important to establish a clear path towards modern interoperability and Open Data, avoid the endless perpetuation of legacy infrastructures and gradually align with HVD and modern data re-use ecosystems.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) in paragraph 1, point (c)(ii) is deleted; | in paragraph 1, point (c)(ii) is replaced by the following: |
| ‘a third party, to whom the relevant services have been made available in application of Union Law on data governance and data sharing9a.’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 7. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 22a in order to amend Annexes I, II and III by adapting the description of the existing data themes in the light of technological and economic developments. | ‘7. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 22a solely in order to amend Annexes I, II and III by adapting the description of the existing data themes in the light of technological and economic developments. Such delegated acts shall not add new data themes, extend the scope of this Directive, or impose additional data-creation, data-collection, data-sharing, technical, interoperability or reporting obligations on Member States, public authorities or private entities.’ |
Technical updates may be necessary, but delegated acts must not be used to expand the scope of INSPIRE or create new obligations.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 7a. Member States shall ensure that, when applying the technical and administrative requirements of this Directive, due account is taken of the human, financial and digital capacities of regional and local authorities and that no undue administrative burden is imposed. |
Implementation often takes place at local level. Smaller municipalities do not have sufficient resources for complex EU data requirements.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) Article 5 is amended as follows: | (3) Article 5 is amended as follows: |
| Two additional points are added: | |
| (ea) information enabling users to identify and use mechanisms for accessing spatial data sets and related services, including service-relevant endpoints, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and bulk download facilities; | |
| (g) references to the data schemas, codes and themes used, as well as to the publicly documented, machine-readable and open formats that are recognised at Union or international level and in which spatial data sets are made available, as appropriate. |
Este importantă consolidarea metadatelor pentru a transporta informații privind „capacitatea de acces” pentru a asigura continuitatea în cazul în care obligațiile detaliate de servicii sunt reduse. În acest fel se menține un nivel minim de îndrumare și convergență la nivel european în ceea ce privește structura și conținutul metadatelor; se evită eliminarea completă a elementelor comune necesare pentru reutilizarea datelor și interoperabilitate; se oferă flexibilitate statelor membre în contextul simplificării Directivei INSPIRE; se susține convergența treptată către ecosistemul Datelor Deschise și al Seturilor de Date cu Valoare Mare (HVD), fără a introduce obligații tehnice excesiv de rigide; se facilitează păstrarea unui nivel minim de interoperabilitate necesar pentru descoperirea și reutilizarea transfrontalieră a datelor spațiale.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. The Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts laying down rules for the application of this Article, taking account of relevant, existing international standards and user requirements, in particular with relation to validation metadata. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 22b(2); | 4. The Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts laying down rules for the application of this Article, taking account of relevant, existing international standards and user requirements, in particular with relation to the quality, validation, updating, source, scale, access and use conditions, and semantic coherence of metadata. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 22b(2); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) Articles 6 to 7 are deleted. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 4. Articles 6 to 7 are deleted. | 4. Articles 6 is deleted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4a) Article 7 is replaced by the following: | |
| ‘(1) Member States shall ensure that the provision of spatial data sets and spatial data services, including through application programming interfaces, is based on open, documented, manufacturer-neutral and geo-specific standards. | |
| (2) The standards referred to in paragraph 1 shall include, in particular, relevant International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards and specifications and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) API standards or equivalent open specifications. | |
| (3) Member States shall ensure that the chosen technical solutions do not hamper the cross-border discoverability, accessibility, usability and re-use of spatial data. ’ |
Directive 2019/1024 ensures the openness and reusability of data, but does not provide sufficiently specific requirements on geo-specific interoperability. Therefore, a Union-wide reference framework for open, documented and manufacturer-neutral geo-specific standards should be maintained, in particular for API-based delivery modes. This will help ensure the practical cross-border usability of spatial data and avoid technical fragmentation within the European data space.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Article 9 to 12 are deleted. | Articles 9, 10 and 12 are deleted. |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6a) Article 11 is replaced by the following: | |
| ‘Article 11 | |
| 1. Member States shall establish and operate a network of the following services for the spatial data sets and services for which metadata have been created in accordance with this Directive: (a) discovery services making it possible to search for spatial data sets and services on the basis of the content of the corresponding metadata and to display the content of the metadata; (b) view services making it possible, as a minimum, to display, navigate, zoom in/out, pan, or overlay viewable spatial data sets and to display legend information and any relevant content of metadata; (c) download services, enabling copies of spatial data sets, or parts of such sets, to be downloaded and, where practicable, accessed directly; (d) transformation services, enabling spatial data sets to be transformed with a view to achieving interoperability; (e) services allowing spatial data services to be invoked. Those services shall take into account relevant user requirements and shall be easy to use, available to the public and accessible via the Internet or any other appropriate means of telecommunication. | 1. Where spatial data sets falling within the scope of this Directive are made available or accessible under Directive (EU) 2019/1024 or other applicable Union law, Member States shall rely, to the greatest extent possible, on existing national, regional, local or Union data infrastructures. |
| 2. For the purposes of the services referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1, as a minimum the following combination of search criteria shall be implemented: (a) keywords; (b) classification of spatial data and services; (c) the quality and validity of spatial data sets; (d) degree of conformity with the implementing rules provided for in Article 7(1); (e) geographical location; (f) conditions applying to the access to and use of spatial data sets and services; (g) the public authorities responsible for the establishment, management, maintenance and distribution of spatial data sets and services. | 2. This Article shall not require Member States or public authorities, solely as a result of this Directive, to establish or operate new network services, maintain parallel publication systems, create, collect, transform or harmonise spatial data sets, apply specific technical standards or formats beyond those required under applicable Union law, or introduce additional reporting obligations. |
| 3. The transformation services referred to in point (d) of paragraph 1 shall be combined with the other services referred to in that paragraph in such a way as to enable all those services to be operated in conformity with the implementing rules provided for in Article 7(1). | 3. Access to spatial data sets and services may be limited or excluded in accordance with Article 13 and applicable Union or national law.’ |
If Article 11 is retained, it must be limited. It should preserve practical access to spatial data but must not impose new IT systems, new technical standards or additional reporting obligations.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Article 9 to 12 are deleted. | (6) Article 9 to 10 are deleted. Article 11 is replaced by: |
| 1. Member States that have already developed INSPIRE download services allowing for direct data set downloads shall convert these services into APIs for high-value data sets (HVD) by means of appropriate technical adaptations in accordance with open data rules. | |
| 2. These services must take into account relevant user requirements and be user-friendly, publicly available and accessible via the internet through national open data platforms. | |
| Article 12 is replaced by: | |
| Member States shall ensure that public authorities have the technical possibility to link their spatial data sets and related download services to national open data platforms. |
Eliminarea integrală a articolului 11 din Directiva INSPIRE ar conduce la pierderea valorii investițiilor semnificative realizate de statele membre pentru dezvoltarea și implementarea serviciilor de descărcare a datelor spațiale. În numeroase state membre sunt încă în desfășurare proiecte destinate implementării infrastructurii INSPIRE, inclusiv proiecte finanțate din fonduri europene, pentru care menținerea funcționalităților existente reprezintă o condiție esențială pentru asigurarea durabilității investițiilor și respectarea obligațiilor asumate în cadrul programelor de finanțare.Serviciile de descărcare constituie una dintre componentele fundamentale ale infrastructurii INSPIRE, asigurând accesul efectiv la seturile de date spațiale și facilitând reutilizarea acestora de către autoritățile publice, mediul de afaceri și cetățeni. Eliminarea acestora ar genera costuri suplimentare, ar reduce interoperabilitatea sistemelor existente și ar afecta continuitatea serviciilor deja operaționale.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Article 9 to 12 are deleted. | Articles 9 and 12 are deleted. |
Article 10 (cross-border coherence, codes and classifications) does not become obsolete through the deletion of Articles 7 and 8 and is retained in updated form. The new Article 11 takes over the Swedish drafting suggestion in the Council, extended with viewing to address the concern of several delegations (BE, ES, HR, HU) that view services are not covered by the open data framework. The reference to reporting obligations requiring such access preserves the legal basis on which, inter alia, Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 relies for the public accessibility of nature-restoration progress reports
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States shall ensure that any information, including data, codes and technical classifications, needed for compliance with the im plementing rules provided for in Article 7(1) is made available to public authorities or third parties in accordance with conditions that do not restrict its use for that purpose. 2. In order to ensure that spatial data relating to a geographical feature, the location of which spans the frontier between two or more Member States, are coherent, Member States shall, where appropriate, decide by mutual consent on the depiction and position of such common features. | (6a) Article 10 is replaced by the following 'Article 10 Member States shall ensure the coherence of spatial data relating to a feature, the location of which spans the frontier between two or more Member States, including the codes and classifications necessary for that purpose.’ |
Article 10 (cross-border coherence, codes and classifications) does not become obsolete through the deletion of Articles 7 and 8 and is retained in updated form. The new Article 11 takes over the Swedish drafting suggestion in the Council, extended with viewing to address the concern of several delegations (BE, ES, HR, HU) that view services are not covered by the open data framework. The reference to reporting obligations requiring such access preserves the legal basis on which, inter alia, Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 relies for the public accessibility of nature-restoration progress reports
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States shall establish and operate a network of the following services for the spatial data sets and services for which metadata have been created in accordance with this Directive: (a) discovery services making it possible to search for spatial data sets and services on the basis of the content of the corresponding metadata and to display the content of the metadata; (b) view services making it possible, as a minimum, to display, navigate, zoom in/out, pan, or overlay viewable spatial data sets and to display legend information and any relevant content of metadata; (c) download services, enabling copies of spatial data sets, or parts of such sets, to be downloaded and, where practicable, accessed directly; (d) transformation services, enabling spatial data sets to be transformed with a view to achieving interoperability; (e) services allowing spatial data services to be invoked. Those services shall take into account relevant user requirements and shall be easy to use, available to the public and accessible via the Internet or any other appropriate means of telecommunication. | (6b) Article 11 is replaced by the following 'Article 11 Member States shall ensure that spatial datasets falling within the scope of this Directive are made available and accessible in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/1024, including through appropriate technical arrangements enabling discovery and viewing, in order to ensure public access to spatial data underpinning reporting obligations under Union law that require such access in accordance with this Directive.’ |
| 2. For the purposes of the services referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1, as a minimum the following combination of search criteria shall be implemented: (a) keywords; (b) classification of spatial data and services; (c) the quality and validity of spatial data sets; (d) degree of conformity with the implementing rules provided for in Article 7(1); (e) geographical location; (f) conditions applying to the access to and use of spatial data sets and services; (g) the public authorities responsible for the establishment, management, maintenance and distribution of spatial data sets and services. | |
| 3. The transformation services referred to in point (d) of paragraph 1 shall be combined with the other services referred to in that paragraph in such a way as to enable all those services to be operated in conformity with the implementing rules provided for in Article 7(1). |
Article 10 (cross-border coherence, codes and classifications) does not become obsolete through the deletion of Articles 7 and 8 and is retained in updated form. The new Article 11 takes over the Swedish drafting suggestion in the Council, extended with viewing to address the concern of several delegations (BE, ES, HR, HU) that view services are not covered by the open data framework. The reference to reporting obligations requiring such access preserves the legal basis on which, inter alia, Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 relies for the public accessibility of nature-restoration progress reports
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Article 9 to 12 are deleted. | Article 9 to 11 are deleted. |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States shall ensure that public authorities are given the technical possibility to link their spatial data sets and services to the network referred to in Article 11(1). This service shall also be made available upon request to third parties whose spatial data sets and services comply with implementing rules laying down obligations with regard, in particular, to metadata, network services and interoperability. | (6a) Article 12 is replaced by the following: Member States shall ensure that public authorities are given the technical possibility to link their spatial data sets to relevant services provided for under Union law on data governance and data sharing. This possibility shall also be made available upon request to third parties whose spatial data sets comply with applicable requirements with regard to metadata, interoperability provided for under Union law on data governance and data sharing9a. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Article 9 to 12 are deleted. | Article 9, 10 and 12 are deleted. |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6a) Article 11 is replaced by the following: | |
| 1. Member States shall establish and operate a network of the following services for the spatial data sets and services for which metadata have been created in accordance with this Directive: | ‘1. Member States shall ensure that spatial data sets falling within the scope of this Directive are made available and accessible in accordance with Directive 2019/1024, including through technical arrangements enabling discovery and access for environmental public tasks, while supporting interoperability and comparability of spatial data across the Union. |
| (a) discovery services making it possible to search for spatial data sets and services on the basis of the content of the corresponding metadata and to display the content of the metadata; | |
| (b) view services making it possible, as a minimum, to display, navigate, zoom in/out, pan, or overlay viewable spatial data sets and to display legend information and any relevant content of metadata; | |
| (c) download services, enabling copies of spatial data sets, or parts of such sets, to be downloaded and, where practicable, accessed directly; | |
| (d) transformation services, enabling spatial data sets to be transformed with a view to achieving interoperability; | |
| (e) services allowing spatial data services to be invoked. | |
| 2. For the purposes of the services referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1, as a minimum the following combination of search criteria shall be implemented: | |
| (a) (keywords; | |
| (b) classification of spatial data and services; | |
| (c) the quality and validity of spatial data sets | |
| (d) degree of conformity with the implementing rules provided for in Article 7(1); | |
| (e) geographical location; | |
| (f) conditions applying to the access to and use of spatial data sets and services; | |
| (g) the public authorities responsible for the establishment, management, maintenance and distribution of spatial data sets and services. | |
| 3. The transformation services referred to in point (d) of paragraph 1 shall be combined with the other services referred to in that paragraph in such a way as to enable all those services to be operated in conformity with the implementing rules provided for in Article 7(1) |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States may limit public access to spatial data sets and services where such access could adversely affect international relations, public security or national defence. | ‘Member States may provide for public authorities, where necessary and proportionate and in accordance with Union and national law, to limit or exclude public access to spatial data sets and services where such access could adversely affect international relations, public security, public order, national defence, the security of network and information systems or the protection of critical infrastructure.’ |
Spatial data can reveal sensitive information about defence, energy, transport, water, telecommunications and other critical infrastructure. Member States must be able to limit or exclude access where disclosure would create security risks.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States may limit public access to spatial data sets and services where such access could adversely affect international relations, public security or national defence. | Member States may limit access to spatial data sets or spatial data services where this information concerns critical infrastructure, energy supply systems, water management, border areas, military facilities, agricultural production areas or strategic industrial facilities, the disclosure of which could harm public security, national security or essential economic interests. |
The geopolitical situation calls for clear protection of security-related data. Ties in with the existing limitations under Article 13.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States may limit public access to spatial data sets and services where such access could adversely affect international relations, public security or national defence. | Member States shall critically evaluate and, where necessary, limit public access to security-related spatial data sets and services in relation to infrastructures of the sectors listed in the Annex to Directive (EU) 2022/25571a. |
| 1a Directive (EU) 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on the resilience of critical entities and repealing Council Directive 2008/114/EC; OJ L 333, 27.12.2022, p. 164 |
(This sub-paragraph is fully covered by the next sub-paragraph. It can therefore easily be replaced by a more specific provision.)
Given the international context, it is important to protect security-related spatial data sets relating to critical infrastructures. Member States should therefore not only be able to limit public access, but also critically evaluate such access and then also be obliged to limit it when necessary.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States may limit public access to spatial data sets and services where such access could adversly affect any of the following:; | Member States may provide for public authorities, where necessary and proportionate and in accordance with Union and national law, to limit or exclude public access to spatial data sets and services where such access could adversely affect any of the following: |
This clarifies that Member States may fully exclude access where limitation is not sufficient, while ensuring that such decisions remain legally grounded, necessary and proportionate.
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) Member States may restrict access to spatial datasets and services where that data relates to critical infrastructure, critical entities as defined by Directive (EU) 2022/2557, or essential or important entities as defined by Directive (EU) 2022/2555, and where the disclosure of that data could undermine public security, cybersecurity, the resilience of essential services or the protection of critical infrastructure. | |
| In such cases, Member States may make access to such data conditional on the requester demonstrating a legitimate interest compatible with the requirements of public security, cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. | |
| Such restrictions shall be applied only where necessary and in a proportionate and duly justified manner. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (bb) in the second paragraph, point (b) is replaced by the following: | |
| « (b) international relations, public security, public order, national defence, the security of network and information systems or the protection of critical infrastructure; » |
Spatial data can reveal sensitive information related to security, defence, network and information systems and critical infrastructure. Member States should be able to limit or exclude access where disclosure would create such risks.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (bc) in the second subparagraph, point (d) is replaced by the following: | |
| (d) the confidentiality of commercial or industrial information, including trade secrets, know-how and commercially sensitive information, where such confidentiality is protected under Union or national law to protect a legitimate economic interest, including the public interest in maintaining statistical confidentiality and tax secrecy; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (bd) the following subparagraph is added: | |
| ‘The application of this paragraph shall be without prejudice to the rights and obligations laid down in Directive 2003/4/EC and other applicable Union law on public access to environmental information.’ |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States shall ensure that the services referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 11(1) are available to the public free of charge. | (-8). In Article 14, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: '1. Member States shall ensure that, where spatial data sets are made available to the public to comply with reporting and public-access obligations under Union law, including Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991, discovery and viewing of those data sets are available free of charge.' |
Directive (EU) 2019/1024 governs charging for the re-use of documents but, as noted by AT and FR in the Council, does not guarantee free provision of the network services through which data is viewed. Retaining a narrowed free-of-charge guarantee preserves the public-access standard that downstream acts — in particular Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 — presuppose.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Articles 14 to 15 are deleted. | Article 15 is deleted. |
Directive (EU) 2019/1024 governs charging for the re-use of documents but, as noted by AT and FR in the Council, does not guarantee free provision of the network services through which data is viewed. Retaining a narrowed free-of-charge guarantee preserves the public-access standard that downstream acts — in particular Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 — presuppose.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) Articles 14 to 15 are deleted. | (8) Article 14 is deleted. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Article 15 is replaced by the following: | |
| ‘Article 15 | |
| 1. The Commission shall ensure that the European data portal, data.europa.eu, makes available appropriate geo-spatial search, access, map display and download functionalities for spatial datasets and services falling within the scope of this Directive. | |
| 2. These functionalities shall enable users to search for and download spatial datasets by keyword, theme, location, map point, or area of interest, to visualise them on a map, to display or hide thematic layers, to view the relevant metadata and to identify the source of these data and the public authority responsible for them.’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Article 17 is deleted. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Article 17 is deleted. | deleted |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) Article 17 is deleted. | Article 17 is replaced by the following: |
| ‘Article 17 | |
| Sharing between public authorities, and conditions for reuse Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the effective sharing of spatial datasets and services between national, regional and local public authorities, in particular when required for environmental protection, the prevention of natural and industrial hazards, and the management of water, soil, forests, the coastline, biodiversity and spatial planning. Member States may establish, where necessary and duly justified, specific conditions for the commercial reuse of certain spatial datasets produced or maintained by public authorities, in order to ensure the financial sustainability of their production, updating, quality and maintenance. Those conditions shall be proportionate, transparent and non-discriminatory. They shall not obstruct access to data for purposes relating to the public interest, research, environmental protection, cooperation between public authorities, risk prevention or the provision of information to the public.’ |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Article 17, paragraph 1 is amended as follows | |
| Each Member State shall adopt measures for the sharing of spatial data sets and services between its public authorities referred to in point (9)(a) and (b) of Article 3. Those measures shall enable those public authorities to gain access to spatial data sets and services, and to exchange and use those sets and services, for the purposes of public tasks that may have an impact on the environment. | ‘Each Member State shall ensure that public authorities are able to access and exchange spatial data covered by this Directive for public tasks that may have an impact on the environment.’ |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10b) In Article 17, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: | |
| The measures provided for in paragraph 1 shall preclude any restrictions likely to create practical obstacles, occurring at the point of use, to the sharing of spatial data sets and services. | |
| "In the frame of provisions governing the re-use of public sector information that are laid down in Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and other related Union legislation, Member States shall, where necessary, adopt or maintain national measures to ensure effective access for the purposes referred to in paragraph 1" |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10c) In Article 17, paragraphs 3 to 8 | |
| 3. Member States may allow public authorities that supply spatial data sets and services to license them to, and/or require payment from, the public authorities or institutions and bodies of the Community that use these spatial data sets and services. Any such charges and licenses must be fully compatible with the general aim of facilitating the sharing of spatial data sets and services between public authorities. Where charges are made, these shall be kept to the minimum required to ensure the necessary quality and supply of spatial data sets and services together with a reasonable return on investment, while respecting the self-financing requirements of public authorities supplying spatial data sets and services, where applicable. Spatial data sets and services provided by Member States to Community institutions and bodies in order to fulfil their reporting obligations under Community legislation relating to the environment shall not be subject to any charging. | are deleted |
| 4. The arrangements for the sharing of spatial data sets and services provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be open to public authorities referred to in point (9)(a) and (b) of Article 3 of other Member States and to the institutions and bodies of the Community, for the purposes of public tasks that may have an impact on the environment. | " |
| 5. The arrangements for the sharing of spatial data sets and services provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be open, on a reciprocal and equivalent basis, to bodies established by international agreements to which the Community and Member States are parties, for the purposes of tasks that may have an impact on the environment. | |
| 6. Where the arrangements for the sharing of spatial data sets and services provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 are made available in accordance with paragraphs 4 and 5, these arrangements may be accompanied by requirements under national law conditioning their use. | |
| 7. By way of derogation from this Article, Member States may limit sharing when this would compromise the course of justice, public security, national defence or international relations. | |
| 8. Member States shall provide the institutions and bodies of the Community with access to spatial data sets and services in accordance with harmonised conditions. Implementing rules governing those conditions, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 22(3). These implementing rules shall fully respect the principles set out in paragraphs 1 to 3 |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11a) The following article is inserted: 'Article 21a Comparability of spatial data used for Union monitoring and reporting. 1. The Commission shall monitor whether spatial data sets made available pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/1024 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/138 remain technically and semantically comparable across Member States, in particular where those data sets underpin monitoring and reporting obligations under Union law, including Regulation (EU) 2019/1010, Chapter IV of Regulation (EU) 2024/1991, Directive (EU) 2024/2881 and Directive (EU) 2025/2360. 2. The Commission shall, by [two years after the date referred to in Article 2(1)] and every two years thereafter, publish a report assessing that comparability, including per-Member-State indicators on conformity with formal open standards and on the public accessibility of the data sets concerned. 3. Where comparability within the meaning of paragraph 1 is not ensured, any assessment by the Commission of Member States' compliance or progress that is based on those data sets shall take due account of differences in the granularity, quality and methodology of the underlying national data.' |
The removal of harmonised INSPIRE specifications risks non-comparable data across Member States. This equivalence test, drawing on the comparability principle underlying Directive 2000/60/EC, ensures that compliance assessments take account of differences in data granularity and quality, so that Member States providing better data are not disadvantaged.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (11a) The following article is inserted: | |
| 'Article 21a | |
| Cross-border spatial data interoperability on the island of Ireland | |
| 1. Member States shall aim to ensure that the implementation of this Directive does not undermine the continuity of interoperability of spatial data sets and services used for cross-border environmental management between Ireland and Northern Ireland. | |
| 2. The Commission shall facilitate coordination and, where appropriate, provide technical guidance to support the maintenance of interoperability of spatial data infrastructures relevant to cross-border environmental cooperation on the island of Ireland. | |
| 3. Any simplification or modification of technical requirements under this Directive shall not adversely affect the level of interoperability necessary for cross-border environmental management between Ireland and Northern Ireland. |
Environmental systems on the island of Ireland, including river basin districts, biodiversity networks and other shared ecosystems, require continuous cross-border exchange of spatial and environmental information. This amendment ensures that the simplification of the INSPIRE framework does not inadvertently weaken the interoperability of datasets and services used for environmental management and regulatory cooperation between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 11a. The following article is inserted: | |
| ‘Article 21a | |
| No later than five years after the entry into force of this Directive, the Commission shall assess whether the remaining obligations under this Directive relating to data provision and technical interoperability are still necessary, proportionate and compatible with the objective of administrative simplification. This assessment shall not give rise to any new ongoing reporting obligations for Member States.’ |
We strongly supported the removal of reporting obligations. A one-off, streamlined review clause prevents the creeping reintroduction of administrative burdens without creating a new reporting burden itself.
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 4(7) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from [Note to PO: please insert the date of entry into force of this Directive]. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. | 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 4(7) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from [Note to PO: please insert the date of entry into force of this Directive]. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power may be extended only after a public assessment of its use by the Commission and only if there is no opposition from the European Parliament or the Council. |
Mathilde Androuët, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Valérie Deloge, Matthieu Valet, Mélanie Disdier, Catherine Griset
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ca) the quality, actual accessibility, continuity, security and operational usefulness of the spatial and environmental data for the general public, local and regional authorities, public authorities, researchers, farmers, foresters, fishers, SMEs and relevant industrial stakeholders. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ca) the actual reduction of administrative and compliance costs achieved for national, regional and local authorities; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (cb) the extent to which implementation has avoided additional technical, data-creation, data-sharing, interoperability or reporting obligations for Member States and public authorities; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (cc) the effectiveness of safeguards allowing public authorities to limit or exclude access to sensitive spatial data, including data related to public security, public order, national defence, the security of network and information systems, critical infrastructure, commercial or industrial confidentiality, trade secrets, intellectual property rights and personal data. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| The evaluation shall, to the greatest extent possible, be based on existing information and shall not create additional reporting obligations for Member States or public authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Member States shall adopt and publish, by [OP: please insert the date 12 months after the date of entry into force of this Directive], the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions. | Member States shall adopt and publish, by [OP: please insert the date 24 months after the date of entry into force of this Directive], the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| They shall apply those provisions from [OP: please insert the date 12 months and one day after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. | They shall apply those provisions from [OP: please insert the date 24 months and one day after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1a. This Directive shall be implemented in full respect of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. Decisions on the organisation, management, storage and accessibility of national spatial data infrastructures remain within the competence of the Member States. |
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Sources & citation
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- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
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- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “AMENDMENTS 13 - 96 - Draft report Amending Directive 2007/2/EC as regards simplification of certain requirements for the establishment of the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the Union”. Text, 11 June 2026. docId ENVI-AM-789937. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ENVI-AM-789937 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/ENVI-AM-789937 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-envi-am-789937,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{AMENDMENTS 13 - 96 - Draft report Amending Directive 2007/2/EC as regards simplification of certain requirements for the establishment of the Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the Union}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-06-11},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ENVI-AM-789937}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/ENVI-AM-789937},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId ENVI-AM-789937. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}