Negotiating environmental agreements in Europe: Critical factors for success

Book abstract:

This book provides a comparative analysis of twelve case studies dealing with Negotiating Environmental Agreements in Europe (NEAs). It both operates theoretically and draws on existing European agreements in order to enrich the study of this complex and diverse issue, with the intention of creating a co-ordinated and multidisciplinary approach. This includes, in particular, a policy science approach, a general economic approach, a knowledge-based perspective and an informational model.

Comprising of three large parts, the work is then separated into numerous essays by various contributors. Part one, on theoretical reflections on NEAs, contains the introduction and an essay on the general proliferation of the agreements. Part two incorporates the twelve case studies themselves, and deals with topics as diverse as the question of batteries, end-of-life vehicles, CFCs in France, gasoline in Italy, the energy efficiency agreement with the UK chemical industries, and Belgian electricity. Part three provides both a comparative analysis of the case studies, some broad conclusions, and a number of policy recommendations.

The book is aimed at policymakers, environmental economists, researchers, NGOs and industrial representatives.