V Evropski uniji od leta 1986 velja posebna zakonodaja glede uporabe živali v znanstvene namene. EU je 22. septembra 2010 sprejela Direktivo 2010/63/EU, ki posodablja in nadomešča Direktivo 86/609/EGS o zaščiti živali, ki se uporabljajo v znanstvene namene. Namen nove direktive je okrepiti varstvo in izboljšati dobrobit živali, ki jih je še treba uporabljati v znanstvene namene, ter v zakonodajo EU trdno zasidrati načelo zamenjave, zmanjšanja in izboljšanja. Direktiva 2010/63/EU v celoti velja od 1. januarja 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).