Withdrawal of European Soil Framework Directive: Reasons and Recommendations

Yijia Chen

doi:10.5539/jsd.v13n1p1

Abstract

The European Soil Framework Directive was the first policy approach of soil protection at the European level. It had an objective to protect soils across Europe and maintain the sustainability of soil functions. Notwithstanding the significance of the directive along with both the current state and the trend of the soil in Europe were negative, it had been strongly blocked by five member states of the European Union since it was adopted in 2006, encompassing the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Austria. The proposal was withdrawn formally on 21 May 2014 by the European Commission without any official statement of reasons. Consequently, this study aimed at the reasons for the withdrawal and the amendments to the directive, which contributed to restoring its role in soil conservation. It ascertained the reasons and proved some recommendations principally via a deductive approach and qualitative research. The results demonstrated that the resistance of the five main blocking countries was the direct factor in the withdrawal. Behind the statements of opponents, financial difficulties and political issues were the possible underlying reasons. Hence, the European Commission could arrange more meetings and change some provisions to eliminate the misunderstanding with its member states. On the other hand, it is sensible for the opponents to be more flexible to deal with the directive, for instance, establishing the benefits from the articles as well as more approaches for solving the problem of financial shortage.

Highlights

Soil is the zone where plants grow roots, the foundation for terrestrial life, the basis for a great deal of economic production (Environment Agency, 2004)
Apart from the decline in the cost, there is a great deal of priceless benefit, encompassing: Address soil protection and combat soil threats systematically, effectively and efficiently; adopt more targeted and efficient measures; plan in the mid and long term their strategies to combat soil degradation in their territory; stimulate sustainable use of soil, and take a preventive approach saving costs so far borne by society to a far greater extent than the additional costs of the soil framework directive (SFD)
The importance of soil protection is to maintain the soil functions which signifies the sustainability of the natural environment and human society

Summary

Introduction

Soil is the zone where plants grow roots, the foundation for terrestrial life, the basis for a great deal of economic production (Environment Agency, 2004) It is the medium for plant growth in agriculture (European Environment Agency (EEA), 2010), comprising transportation and storage. In terms of protecting the natural environment, soil has the capability to neutralise and decompose potential contaminants as a natural filter, along with reallocating the excess water to the ground or surface water (Blum, 2005) It plays a significant role in urban development. Article six of the European Community Treaty provides that it is required to integrate the field of environmental protection in all EU sectoral policies to facilitate sustainable development (European Union, 2002),along with the enhancements of economic, social, territorial cohesion and solidarity among EU member states

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Discussion

Conclusion