Public expectations and EU policies – Environmental protection

A series of Briefings from the European Parliamentary Research Service which looks at EU actions in a series of policy areas. This follows up a public opinion survey organised by Eurobarometer for the European Parliament in April 2016 which asked the question: Would you like the EU to intervene less than at present or more than at present for the following policy areas?

Terrorism / Unemployment / Tax fraud / Migration / Borders / Democracy / Environment / Security and defence / Health / Gender equality / Energy / Economy / Foreign policy / Agriculture / Industrial policyTwo thirds of EU citizens express support for increased EU action on environmental protection. EU policy aims to move towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy, to safeguard biodiversity and to protect human health through legislation on air, chemicals, climate, nature, waste and water. While the EU budget represents an important and growing source of investment, Member States are responsible for financing and implementing environmental protection measures, and some implementation gaps remain.

Authors: Didier Bourguignon, Magdalena Sapala, Alina Dobreva