Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development

1. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Europe‘s The way towards Sustainable Development prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

2. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Introduction Content Introduction Block 1 The State of Europe‘s Environment (slides 1-15) Block 2 A Framework: The Sixth Environmental Action Programme (slides 16-26) Block 3 Implementation: The Most important instruments (slides 27-36) Block 4 Legal Background: Europe‘s Environmental Legislation (slides 37-43) Block 5 Future Perspectives: Enlargement (slides 44-50) prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

3. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Introduction • Each Block contains • PowerPoint presentation • Overview of the topic • Introduction to the topic • Summary to be used after working with the other component • Information Material and Question Sets • Exemplary approach to the topic • Access to original documents • In depth’s work on a topic • Discussion in class • Reveals key points highlighted in power point Presentation prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

4. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 Block 1 The state of Europe‘s Environment Questions to be answered - General clarification of terms - What does „Environment“ comprise? - How are the data obtained? - Role of the Public Opinion prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

5. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 Europe and the European Union: A big difference! Europe The continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural mountains The European Union (EU): A polictial union of 15 European countries - Sixth largest Continent - approx. 4,000000 sq miles - population of 520,000,000 Check out this homepage to see a video about the EU http://europa.eu.int/comm/mediatheque/video/select/abceu/lunioneu_en.html prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

6. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 Some facts about the EU This is the EU flag Adopted in 1986 , it consists of a circle of twelve gold stars on a blue background. Twelve is a number that represents perfection and unity. Check out the EU anthem Click on the notes. The anthem is the Ode to Joy from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. History in brief 1950 Schuman Declaration 1952 Foundation of the European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSCI) with France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg 1958 Foundation of the European Economic Community (Treaty of Rome) 1965 Foundation of the European Community 1973 Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark join 1981 Greece joins 1986 Spain and Portugal join 1993 Establishment of the European Union 1995 Austria, Finland and Sweden join 2001 Introduction of the Euro as single currency Europe Day is May 9th On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe. This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union. prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

7. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 European Institutions Compared to the USA, the EU government has less power and the member states still have a high degree of independance. EU‘s main decision-making body is the Council of the EU. It is the embodiment of the Member States, whose representatives it brings together regularly at ministerial level. . Three very important EU institutions are • European Parliament in Strassbourg, France • Elected every five years by direct universal suffrage • expression of the democratic will of the Union's 374 million citizens • shares power to legislate and buget authority • European Commission in Brussels, Belgium • embodies and upholds the general interest of the Union • presents legislative proposals to Parliament and the Council • responsible for implementing the European legislation • represents the Union on the international stage • European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, Luxembourg • ensures that Community law is uniformly interpreted and effectively applied. • has jurisdiction in disputes involving Member States, EU institutions, businesses and individuals prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

8. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 Environment: A high-ranking issue in the EU Main reasons: - A healthy environment is essential to long term prosperity and quality of life - European citizens demand a high level of environmental protection - Due to the limited space in Europe, nature and natural landscapes have a high value - High environmental standards in business are seen as an engine for innovation and business opportunities - Environmental technologies are seen as a future business market - In many areas, e.g. energy, the efficient use of natural resources leads to economic advantages (cost-efficiency) prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

9. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 Environmental impact- which areas are concerned? “Classical” fields of environmental protection - Quality assurance of air, water and soil - Waste management - Noise abatement - Energy efficiency - Protection of nature and bio-diversity - Radiation protection prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

10. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 ... but parallely, the EU promotes a more integrated policy approach called SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT .....which means that the development of the European society should promote a growth of population, industry and agriculture in a way that will allow the present generation to meet its own needs without damaging those of future generations. This approach integrates economy, social issues and environmental protection under one roof. prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

11. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Where does the term come from? RIO ‘92 During the „United Nations Conference on Environment and Development - the Earth Summit held 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, the conflict between economic development and environmental protection was discussed. More than 172 nations agreed to work on sustainable development of the planet. Quote from the European Commission President Romano Prodi (2001): „Sustainable Development is not a choice. It‘s an imperative. We must do everything possible, even if this means making some sacrifices during the period of change and transition. What is at stake is leaving our children, grandchildren and future generations a world worth living in, with a more just society and a healthy, clean environment. Thia is a duty in which we must not fail.“ prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

12. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 The EU goals on the way towards SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: - Limiting climate change and increasing the use of clean energy - Addressing threats to public health - Managing natural resources more responsibly. Foster resource - efficiency in production, consumption and waste-disposal measures - Improving transport system and land use - Addressing problems on a global level notably combating climate change and the international conservation of bio-diversity - Integrating environmental concerns into other EU policy areas like tourism, finance, etc - Ensuring that all policies and measures in the above areas are based on a multi-sectoral approach, involve all stakeholders in the process and are communicated in an effective way prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

13. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 Getting the data: The European Environment Agency What is the „European Environment Agency - EEA“ for? - body created to give a higher profile to EU environmental issues - develop scientific and technical know-how the field of environment - gather and disseminate information about the environment - maintain a network of expert partners prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

14. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 EEA‘s reports check them out under http://reports.eea.eu.int/SPE19990625/en compile information provided by the member states develop a comprehensive picture assesse the past and future issues of Europe‘s progress in environemtnal improvements support analysis and planning provide „early warnings“ provide a basis for further research prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

15. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 1 What do the European Citizens think? The EUROBAROMETER provides public opinion surveys on a wide scope of issues ±1000 representative face-to-face interviews per member country carried out between 2 and 5 times per year reports published twice yearly important information for decision-makers like the EEA report, it supports analysis and planning like the EEA report, it provides a basis for further research Check it out under http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg10/epo/eb.html prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

16. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 Block 2 A framework: The Sixth Environment Action Programme (6th EAP) Questions to be answered - What is a framework program - How has the 6th EAP been developed? - What does the 6th EAP contain? - Who sets the 6th EAP up? prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

17. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 • Environment 2010: Our Future, Our Choice • The Sixth Environment Action Programmeof the European Community 2001-2010 "Environment policy is one of the success stories of the European Union – thanks to European Union legislation we have significant improvements such as cleaner air and safer drinking water. But we still face some real problems" Margot Wallstrom, Commissioner for the Environment prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

18. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 A framework program like the 6th EAP - is in compliance with the concept of sustainable development - puts activities within different sectors „under one roof“ - sets up a comprehensive plan for a certain period of time - allows the co-ordination of activities from different departments - compiles different parallel programs into an integrated and harmonic approach - combines different sorts of instruments - provides a complete overview of the topic prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

19. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The framework approach of the Environmental Action Programmes (EAP) has a long history. Since 1970, the environmental objectives of the EU have been presented in Action programs 1st EAP 2nd EAP 3rd EAP 4th EAP 5th EAP 6th EAP prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

20. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 Who helped design the 6th EAP? Economic and Social Committee Committee of the Regions European Council Sixth Environmental Action Program 6th EAP Member State European Environment Agency Future EU Member states Regional administrations Environmental organisations Business organisations prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

21. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The focuses on areas where more action is needed and new European inititaives will make a difference: Tackle climate change Protect nature and wildlife Address environment and health issues Preserve natural resources and manage waste prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

22. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The Proposes five methods on how to achieve these goals: Ensure implementation of existing legislation Integrate environmental concerns into all relevant policy areas Work closely with business and consumers to identify solutions Ensure better and more accessible information on the environment for citizens Develop a more environmentally concious attitude towards land use prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

23. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The goal: Tackling climate change The EU‘s objective is to stabilise concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that will not cause unnatural variations in the Earth‘s climate: In short and medium term view, the EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% compared with 1990 levels by 2008-12 (as agreed at Kyoto) In long term view, the EU calls for a further reduction of global emissions by 20-40% on 1990 levels on 2020 For the first time the program recognises the need to tackle the long-term goal of a 70% reduction in emissions set by the Intergovernmental Panel on climate Change Achieve international agreement on the Kyoto Protocol and put it into practice Set objectives for cutting greenhouse gas emission in the main economic sectors Establish a scheme tor „trading“ greenhouse gas emissions within the European Union by 2005 Support renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power Help Member States to prepare for the consequences of Change The detailed goals are To achieve them the EU will prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

24. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The goal: Protecting nature and wildlife The EU‘s objective is to ensure that natural systems continue to function and through this ensure that both the beauty of nature as well as the quality of air, food and water can be ensured Protect and, where necessary, restore the structure and functioning of natural systems Halt the loss of biodiversity both in the European Union and on a global scale Protec soils against erosion and pollution Protect our most valuable habitats through a specific program Put in place action plans to protect the marine environment Develop a strategy to protect the marine environment Extend national and regional programs to further promote sustainable forest management Introduce measures to protect and restore landscapes Develop a strategy for soil protection Co-ordinate Member States‘ efforts in handling accidents and natural disasters The detailed goals are To achieve them the EU will prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

25. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The goal: Action for the environment and health The EU‘s objective is to achieve a quality of environment where the levels of man-made contaminants do not give rise to significant impacts on, or risks to, human health To better understand the relationship between health and environment enforce the role of the EU to identify dangers and set standards enforce the principles of precaution and prevention Combat the pollution of air, water and soil through chemicals and pesticides Improve our understanding of the link between environmental pollution and human health through better research Look at health standards to account for the most vulnerable groups of society Reduce the risks from the use of pestides Develop a new strategy on air pollution Reform our system for controllingthe risks from chemicals The detailed goals are To achieve them the EU will prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

26. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 2 The goal: Preserve natural resources and manage waste The EU‘s objective is to ensure the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment. Achieve a de-coupling of resource use from economic growth improve resource efficiency prioritise waste prevention, followed by recycling, waste recovery and incineration and finally, only as a last resort, land filling. Reduce the quantity of waste going to final disposal by around 20% on 2000 levels by 2010 and in the order of 50% by 2050 Indentify hazardous substances and make producers responsible collecting, treating and recycling their waste products Encourage consumers to select products and services that create less waste Develop and promote a EU-wide strategy on waste recycling Promote markets for recycled materials Develop specific actions to promote the greening of products and processes The detailed goals are To achieve them the EU will prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

27. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Block 3 Implementation: The most important instruments Questions to be answered - What are typical barriers to implementation? - How can implementation be realised? - How do EU funding programs function? prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

28. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 .......putting programs into practice - not easy!! Typical “barriers” to successful implementation: - Lack of financial resources - Lack of organisation and structured planning processes - Lack of partnerships on local up to international level - Non-conformity with existing legislation prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

29. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Implementation instruments of the EU Funding programs through the European Commission Loans and investment opportunities through the European Investment Bank Law enforcement through the European Court of Justice prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

30. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Loans and investment opportunities through the European Investment Bank (EIB) The EIB is the financing institution of the European Union. It was created 1958 by the Treaty of Rome. EIB's mission is to further the objectives of the European Union by providing finance for specific capital projects in keeping with strict banking practice. As an institution of the Union, the EIB continuously adapts its activity to developments in Community policies. As a Bank, it works in close collaboration with the banking community. It thereby contributes towards building a closer-knit Europe, particularly in terms of economic integration and greater economic and social cohesion. The EIB acts in a forward-looking way through the fostering of the “Innovation 2000 Initiative” . This initiative supports the development of a knowledge based society and innovation in Europe, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and employment. prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

31. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Law enforcement through the European Court of Justice The Court of Justice pursues its aims exclusively through a new body of law, Community law, which is independent, uniform in all the Member States of the Community, separate from, yet superior to national law, and many of whose provisions are directly applicable in all the Member States. Since it was set up in 1952, more than 8,600 cases have been brought before the Court. There were already 200 new cases a year by 1978, and 1985 saw more than 400 cases brought. The Court of Justice comprises 15 judges and 8 advocates general. The judges and advocates general are appointed by common accord of the governments of the Member States and hold office for a renewable term of six years prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

32. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Funding programs through the European Commission - A more flexible and direct way to implement EU policies - Covers a wide scope of topics with more than 200 support programs - Can be easily adapted to new developments in the EU - Supports projects which are in compliance with European policies - Provide grants that match the own financial resources of the project prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

33. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Funding programs through the European Commission How is a EU program developed? IDEA COMMUNICATION DOCUMENT A need for action is identified The need is „translated“ into the concept for a support program The concept is being discussed with expert groups and relevant institutions An agreement on the contents of the program will be achieved An existing program will be amended A new program will be set up prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

34. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Funding programs through the European Commission How is a EU program carried out? Part 1 INFORMATION APPLICATION SELECTION The program and its guidelines are being announced Program information seminars are carried out Project leaders who are interested write an application for funding The application is handed in at the program office All applications are being evaluated The best applications are selected for funding prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

35. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Funding programs through the European Commission How is a EU program carried out? Part 2 MONITORING EVALUATION IDEAS The grants are being transferred to the project During the project phase, the progress is closely supervised by the EU After the project ended, the outcome is closely analysed The results are evaluated and feedback is provided to the program managers The results of the evalutaion provide information on how to improve the program prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

36. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 3 Funding programs through the European Commission Three examples for funding programs in the field of environment SAVE LIFE 5thFRP* Objective Support of demonstration projects in the field of energy efficiency Conditions European Partnerships required up to 50% financial support Objective Support the market entry of technological and other environmental innovations Conditions European Partnerships not required, but welcome up to 50% financial support Objective Support research in different areas through a variety of sub-programs Conditions European Partnerships required many different funding rates *Fifth Framework Program for Research and Technological Devlopment prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

37. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 Block 4 Legal background: Europe’s Environmental Legislation Questions to be answered - What does the Treaty say? - What shapes Europe’s Environmental Legislation? - What is typical about Europe’s Environmental Legislation? - How do new laws develop? prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

38. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 .......back to the roots: The Treaty of Rome! 1957 - The Six sign the Treaties establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) in the Capitol, Rome. prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

39. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 What does the Treaty of Rome say about the Environment? Already in the „hour of birth“ of the EU back in 1957, environmental concerns have been considered important: Quote from Article 174 of the Treaty: „1. Community policy on the environment shall contribute to pursuit of the following objectives: - preserving, proteccting and improving the quality of the environment; - protecting human health; - prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources; - promoting measures at international level to deal with regional or worldwide environmental problems“ Quote from Article 175 of the Treaty: „....the Council, ..... , shall adopt - provisions primarily of a fiscal nature; - measures concerning totown and country planning, land use with the exception of waste management and measures of a general nature, and management of water resources; - measures significantly affecting a Member State‘s choice between different energy sources and the general structure of ist energy supply“ prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

40. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 What is EU law nowadays? - EU law is a independent legal system which is binding for the Member states - A number of key players are involved in the process of further developing this legal system - EU law is composed of three different, interdependent types of legislation: Primary legislation Includes in particular the Treaties (which have been revised several times since 1957 and are agreed on by direct negotiation between Member State Governments Secondary legislation Is based on the Treaties and implies a variety of procedures etc via regulations and Directives and Decisions (binding) as well as recommendations Case law includes judgments of the Court of Justice, for example in response to referrals from the Commission, the Member states or individuals prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

41. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 What influences EU legislation? - International agreements like the Conference in Rio ‘92 - Problems within the EU, for example, the Mad Cow Disease which led to the development of new legislation - Environmental legislation of the different Member States prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

42. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 Check out the Directory of Community legislation in force: Chapter 15 deals with Environmental issues: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/lif/ind/en_analytical_index_15.html • 15.10   Environment • 15.10.10   General provisions and programs • 15.10.20   Pollution and nuisances • 15.10.20.10   Nuclear safety and radioactive waste • 15.10.20.20   Water protection and management • 15.10.20.30   Monitoring of atmospheric pollution • 15.10.20.40   Prevention of noise pollution • 15.10.20.50   Chemicals, industrial risk and biotechnology • 15.10.30   Space, environment and natural resources • 15.10.30.10   Management and efficient use of space, the environment and natural resources • 15.10.30.20   Conservation of wild fauna and flora • 15.10.30.30   Waste management and clean technology • 15.10.40   International co-operation prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

43. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 4 ...preparation of legislation: The Commission plays an important role: Is the Guardian of the Treaties Identifies European interests and Initiates proposals for legislation Organises consultation and advisory processes Manages and executes EU policies and international relations prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

44. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 Block 5 Future perspectives: Enlargement Questions to be answered - How will the European Union enlarge? - How about the Environment in the Candidate Countries? prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

45. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 Unprecedented: 13 countries will join the EU within the next 15 years Enlargement is one of the most important opportunities for the European Union at the beginning of the 21st century. It is a unique, historic task to further the integration of the continent by peaceful means, extending a zone of stability and prosperity to new members. This enlargement is without precedent in terms of scope and diversity: the number of candidates, the area, the population and the wealth of different histories and cultures prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

46. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 Who wants to join? Slovenia Romania Poland Lithuania Estonia Slovakia Turkey Malta Bulgaria Cyprus Latvia Hungary Czech Republic prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

47. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 How about the Environment of the Candidate Countries? The Candidate Countries all have a huge amount of untouched natural landscape..... ...but also environmental problems due to pollution from industry and households. prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

48. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 In order to join... ... the candidate Countries have to be in line with - amongst other - the EU’s environmental legislation ... which can include considerable investments in environmental infrastructure like sewage treatment plant etc prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

49. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 The EU assists the Candidate Countries through The EU assists the Candidate Countries in three main ways: 1. Continuous negotiation and following a well defined pre-accession strategy 2. Close monitoring of progress and carrying out of joint activities like secondment of EU experts 3. Financial support to build up environmental infrastructure prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com

50. Europe‘s Environment - The way towards Sustainable Development CES Teaching Materials for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for European Studies Block 5 Interested in more information about the EU? Http://europa.eu.int/... prepared by Dorothea H. Palenberg - Advancing European Projects! URL: www.palenberg.com