The Integration of Environmental Concerns into EC Policies: A Genuine Policy Development?

Abstract

New Article 6 EC, calling for the integration of environmental protection requirements into the Community policies and activities referred to in Article 3; an examination of the nature and scope of the EC "greening" process. External integration; continuing deterioration of the European environment; reasons why legislation has failed to achieve positive results; new policy instruments. The greening of the Commission's own work; annual reporting; policy statements by the Directorates General; "environmental integration correspondents"; proposals for environmental appraisals of policy proposals — advantages and shortcomings. Implementing the principle of integration; the Commission's Communication, Partnership for Integration, calling for support at the highest political level, defining a role for each EC institution, and pointing out the need for a step-by-step approach; the EU Council meetings of 1998 and 1999 and their calls for integration; invitations to the Agriculture, Transport, Energy, Development, Internal Market, Industry, General Affairs, Economic and Financial, and Fisheries Councils to prepare integration strategies; emphasis on climate change and meeting commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. The legal status of the integration principle and the unlikelihood that it could form the basis for an action for annulment of a Community act. Conclusion that timetables and indicators need to be established, and that the "achievement of sustainable development requires not only new policy instruments, but also a genuine political commitment to striking a balance between social, economic and environmental interests".