The European Commission has adopted the Environmental Implementation
Review, a new tool to improve implementation of European environmental
policy and commonly agreed rules.
This is the beginning of a new process, the Commission said, adding
it will address with Member States the causes of implementation gaps and
find solutions before problems become urgent in areas such as waste
management, nature and biodiversity, air quality and water quality.
The package adopted on February 6 includes: 28 country reports which
map national strengths, opportunities and weaknesses; a Communication
summarising the political conclusions of the country reports and
examining common trend; and recommendations for improvements to all
Member States.
European Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
Karmenu Vella
said improving how environmental laws are applied benefits citizens,
public administrations and the economy. “This is where the Environmental
Implementation Review (EIR) comes in. The European Commission is
committed to helping Member States make sure that the quality of their
citizens’ air, water and waste management is of the highest standard.
This Review provides the information, the tools and the timetable to do
this,” Vella said, noting that full implementation of EU environment
legislation could save the EU economy €50 billion every year in health
costs and direct costs to the environment.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-tightens-environmental-laws-implementation/