The Impact of the Economic Crisis on European Environmental Policy

Abstract

Abstract The European Union (EU) has sought to establish itself as a global environmental leader. However, from 2007–8 onwards, the combined effects of the economic and financial crisis led some to question whether the EU would continue to adopt ambitious environmental policy. This volume brings together leading scholars from across Europe to analyse the impacts of the crisis upon environmental policy in the EU and its member states. The authors analyse policy decisions in fourteen countries to determine whether environmental policy has been dismantled, expanded, or has stayed the same. If policy has been dismantled, contributors identify the kind of dismantling strategy adopted, and at what levels change has occurred. A new measurement approach, the Index of Policy Activity (IPA) is applied systematically across the cases, offering a comprehensive reference framework for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. A wide range of policy areas, from climate change to biodiversity, are examined and non-European cases are also included to provide a counterpoint for comparison. The book finds that, while the EU has not actively dismantled environmental policy, its economic policies have had negative effects upon some Member States, prompting policy dismantling in places. Climate and energy policies have seen some policy expansion, but there are examples, most notably the UK, where there has also been active policy dismantling. The main trend is one of stasis— environmental policy in Europe has plateaued, calling into question Europe’s much-vaunted environmental leadership. The book contributes to scholarship on environmental policy and public administration, combining empirical and methodological insights to give an up-to-date perspective on the impact of crisis upon European environmental policy.