Integration of environmental protection into other EC policies. Legal theory and practice

Book abstract:

Sensitivity to environmental issues is no longer in sole proprietorship of organisations such as Greenpeace, but - perhaps due to their persistent campaigning - it is an established element in most political thinking and received special recognition in Article 6 of the EC Treaty. The article stipulates that environmental protection requirements must be integrated into other Community policies and activities. The intention behind the Article is plain to see. This book examines the extent to which the intention has been borne out in practice.

The work is organised in four parts. The first part is introductory and provides background and the scope, aim and methodology of the research. Part two examines the status of Article 6 EC both in respect to content and the legal consequences, and in this latter respect widens to discuss provisions in Article 174 EC - 'the environmental principles'. The core issue of integration in practice is analysed in part three, which looks specifically at the extent of integration in three policy areas - the Community Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Common Transport Policy (CTP), and the EC Energy Policy. Part four presents a comparison and evaluation of the strength of the integration identified in the various policy areas as well as of the instruments used to effect it, and a review of the extent to which practice corresponds with theory. It then goes on to summarise earlier findings and present some conclusions and signposts for the future.

The book will interest students, scholars and practitioners in law relating to environmental, agricultural, transport and energy issues as well as policy makers in the Community and indirectly for those in national administrations within the EU.