The EU may scrap plans for legislation on air pollution and waste in a drive to boost the economy, according to a leaked document seen by BBC News.
In its draft workplan, the European Commission says the priorities are creating jobs, reducing public debt and increasing industrial competitiveness.
It says citizens do not want Europe interfering in issues that can be solved nationally.
Environmentalists are appalled, saying green issues require EU-level action.
Dirty air is the prime cause of premature death in Europe and the current air quality legislation seeks to establish a national emissions ceiling directive for six toxic pollutants.
Eleven governments have written to the Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, urging him to keep the directive on track. And the Commission's plans for a substantial revision of the legislation will be opposed next week by some MEPs.