Alates 1986. aastast kehtivad ELis õigusaktid, mis reguleerivad loomade kasutamist teaduslikel eesmärkidel. 22. septembril 2010. aastal võttis Euroopa Liit vastu direktiivi 2010/63/EL teaduslikel eesmärkidel kasutatavate loomade kaitse kohta. See ajakohastab ja asendab 1986. aasta direktiivi 86/609/EMÜ. Uue direktiivi eesmärk on ühtlustada õigusnorme, parandada teaduslikel eesmärkidel kasutatavate loomade heaolu ning talletada Euroopa Liidu õiguses kindlalt loomkatsete asendamise, vähendamise ja täiustamise põhimõtted. Direktiiv 2010/63/EL jõustus täielikult 1. jaanuaril 2013.

The ENV data and indicators catalogue brings together the data inventory of DG ENV with the library of indicators that are used in environment policy. The indicators library was created in the context of the preparation of the 8th Environment Action Programme but is designed to be useful for many other purposes. Indicators include those managed by EEA, ESTAT or JRC, where relevant but also indicators developed in the context of policy development or implementation (including reporting). For now, this tool is available for DG ENV but will be made successively also available to other services and agencies. It is a version under development (‘beta version’).

Article 5(2) of Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 relates to the reduction of biodegradable municipal waste (BMW). With 1995 as the reference year (100% by weight), BMW to landfill had to be reduced to 35% in 2016 (or 2020 in case of a derogation).