European Union activities on environmental matters 2000

Book abstract:

1999 saw a number of political and legislative initiatives from the European Union, which had a bearing on environmental policy. The new impetus given to the enlargement of the European Union to the East included an environmental component and one of the key reforms launched was to integrate an environmental dimension into other policy areas. The Finnish presidency in particular kept up the pressure for integration of environmental policy, the importance of the process confirmed by the Helsinki Summit in December 1999.

This annual report provides brief summaries of community activities in the environmental sphere. The first chapter focuses on the main measures taken in 1999 and previews some developments due to take place in 2000. It includes short sections on: The main strategy axes; Climate change; Improving air quality; Chemicals; Waste management; Food safety and genetic engineering; Protection of natural resources; Environmental instruments; and International co-operation. A complete listing of all legislation adopted by the EU Council of Ministers or tabled by the European Commission is featured in the second chapter, and this provides the main part of the publication. This includes Official Journal references, date of adoption and date brought into force. Areas covered include community action programmes, water, air, chemicals, biotechnology, noise, waste and packaging, land use, nature, energy, eco-evaluation (including eco-labelling) and nuclear safety. The report is supplemented by a comprehensive directory listing the names and addresses of environment officials or specialists working in the various EU institutions.

This work will be useful for readers wishing to rapidly familiarise themselves with developments in environmental policy. It can also be used as a reference tool for finding relevant legislation and contacts.