2006 European Environment Policy Review

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06 November 2007 | 1410

In 2006, the EU’s long term environment policy framework was consolidated with adoption of its revised Sustainable Development Strategy and the REACH regulation. It has solid popular support with 72 %1 of citizens in favour of more decision-making at EU level on environmental protection. Four main sets of issues broadly de
ned the year.

• The volatile oil and gas prices, fear of supply disruption, and the climate change impact of energy use, led to calls for an integrated EU energy policy and increased interest in energy e ciency and renewables. The Stern review on climate change con rmed that the costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of taking timely action.

• The Biodiversity Communication and the EU Action Plan to 2010 and beyond were designed to speed up implementation of biodiversity measures.

• Adoption of the last three of the seven Thematic Strategies - on Urban Environment, on Soil Protection and on Pesticides - will streamline and simplify the framework for future action.

• The new reporting cycle for the Lisbon Strategy showed that the Member States increasingly accept that resource e ciency, climate change, and biodiversity loss are closely linked to growth and jobs.

This Review describes EU environment policy during 2006. First, it summarises the main policy developments for the four priorities of the 6th Environment Action Programme. It then examines Better Regulation initiatives, which make it simpler for business to comply, and easier for Member States to implement, while enhancing environmental standards.

The policies described were accompanied by active international outreach, including important progress on preparing Bulgaria and Romania for EU membership and integrating environment into the EC’s external policies. The Commission proposed a long-term Environment Strategy2 to address the continuing degradation of the Mediterranean environment through more e ective cooperation. It also presented a proposal for a Thematic Programme for Environment and the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, including Energy3.
Download report (2007) (135 pages, 4.1MB PDF)

Perspectives for Germany - Our Strategy for Sustainable Development

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06 November 2007 | 1302

The German Federal Government has recognised sustainability as a cross-sectional task and has made it a fundamental principle of its policy. The most im-portant reform projects of this parliamentary term are oriented towards sustainabil-ity. The basis is formed by the consolation of the national budget: with the aim of reducing new borrowing to nil by 2006, we are creating financial stability and re-turning freedom of decision and creativity to future generations. With the tax re-form and the two Acts for promote families, we are easing the burden on families and employees and offering companies more room to manoeuvre.

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Forest Condition Report 2006 for Germany

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06 November 2007 | 1238

The results of the 2006 national forest condition survey show little change when compared with those of the previous year.
The crown condition of forest trees has been recorded annually since 1984. Crown condition assessment is part of a harmonised European system of environmental forestry monitoring which is the only one of its like in the world. Environmental forestry monitoring serves to record the condition of forest soils and the nutritional status of forest trees as well as the crown condition. The monitoring system also records and assesses the effects of air pollution, the influence of climate change and the complex interactions with biotic stress factors such as insect and fungal infestation.

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Standards and Guidelines for Sustainable Sites

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05 November 2007 | 1962

The Preliminary Report on the Standards and Guidelines for Sustainable Sites is the result of more than a year of work by a diverse group of experts in development, design, construction and maintenance of landscapes.  It is based on a thorough and comprehensive review of the current science as well as best practices in the industries involved.  The report details the important contributions to the environment made by soils, hydrology, vegetation and materials and how sustainable sites benefit people who view and enjoy them.

Download Report (Nov. 2007)(107 pages ,1.1 MB PDF)