Strategies of Environmental Policy in the European Union

• Author: Georgeta Modiga
• Position: Associate Professor, PhD, 'Danubius' University of Galati
• Pages: 182-188

European Integration - Realities and Perspectives

2012

182

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Strategies of Environmental Policy in the European Union

Georgeta Modiga

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Abstract: Strategies for achieving environmental policy reinforce the principle of subsidiary ( delegation of

responsibilities of Member States, while European Union outlines only the general objectives to be taken into

account) and try replacing the traditional vertical approach, command and control type, by promoting an

alternative model for ac hieving the EU average. One can say that these strategies are a kind of “aids”, which

complement standard tools and acting as incentives for the adoption of measures for environmental protection

that emphasizes the trend towards an approach based on the principle of volunteering. In the early '70s, was

recognized the need and legitimacy of a common environment. In time, will develop a progressive

environmental Community law, which includes over 200 directives and r egulations. They concern mainly

water protection, air quality, protection of f lora and fauna, noise, waste dis posal. Environmental legislation

has a particular characteristic; it takes into account economic aspects.

Keywords: environmental protection; European strategy;environmental agreements

Treaties establishing the European Communities did not provide explicit competent environmental

community. Dealing with pollution, the rapid growth, Member States have adopted measures at

national level. As a transboundary phenomenon, pollution could be controlled effectively only within

national borders. In addition, some of the measures adopted by Member States prevented the free

movement of goods within the common market. As a result, calls for joint action and pressure for

environment have multiplied. In 1972, shortly after the first UN Conference on Environment,

European Commission proposed a program of action in this field.

But previous legislation of 1986 had no legal basis in a treaty. Single European Act explicitly gives

competent European Community environmental policy. Thus, it will provide a formal legal basis that

overall increasing environmental regulation. European Single Act has set three priority objectives of

Community policy: an environmental, human health 2, 3 prudent and rational utilization of natural

resources (Article 130 R).

Treaty on European Union (1992) formally established the concept of sustainable development in EU

legislation. Four years later, the Treaty of Amsterdam has made sustainability a primary goal of the

European Union. European Union's future development must be based on the principle of sustainable

development and a high level of environmental protection. Environment must be integrated into the

definition and implementation of all economic and social policies of the EU, including trade, industry,

energy, agriculture, transport and tourism.

First Environmental Action Programmer (EAP) developed by the Heads of State and Government of

the Community based on this application is in the very beginning to the Community environmental

policy. Although first steps have focused more on repairing damage already occurred, the very first

principles of prevention set EAP. These principles were partially reversed, enlarged and completed the

three ESP’s (1977, 1983 and 1987).

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Assoc iate Professor, PhD, “Danubius” University of Galati, 3 Galati Boulevard, 800654 Ga lati, Romania, Tel.:

+40.372.361.102, fax: +40.372.361.290, Corresponding author: georgeta.modiga@univ-danubius.ro.