EU Environmental Policy Instruments 2005 International Summer School, ULB 11 July 2005 David Zaruk

2 Elements of an Environmental Issue Local in nature Current and newsworthy Anthropocentric in concern – health emphasis Environmental problems are man-made Needs a certain level of scientific disagreement Concerns an unquantifiable risk perception Issues are changing: from real threats to risks (precautionary principle)

David Zaruk3 The Atlantic divide Different definitions of nature Different historical approaches Perceptions on innovation and regulation Precautionary principle Roles of stakeholders, workers councils

David Zaruk4 Sixth Environment Action Programme Environment 2010: Our Future, Our Choice Stakeholder consultation Four priority areas for urgent action: –Climate change –Nature and biodiversity –Environment and health and quality of life –Natural resources and waste

David Zaruk5 Sixth Environment Action Programme Seven Thematic Strategies: –Clean Air For Europe (CAFE) –Soil protection –Sustainable use of pesticides –Protect and conserve the marine environment –Waste prevention and recycling –Sustainable use of natural resources –Urban environment

David Zaruk6 Important Issues Kyoto Protocol Member States negotiated with one voice and all simultaneously ratified Kyoto in 2002 The Bubble – internal burden sharing in 2006 Carbon emission trading schemes established Took lead, after US withdrawl, to save Kyoto –A major success for the EU Only two Member States on target to meet Kyoto –A major failure for the EU and a brewing storm

David Zaruk7 REACH – A new standard? Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals Three DGs involved – different agendas What is REACH about? Substitution or safe use? Stakeholder gridlock (jobs vs health) – intense lobbying EU Parliament – six Committees – 6000 amendments Democratic by-pass or parliamentary exhaustion Workability and communications issues not yet addressed! SCALE – Health and Environment Strategy Science – Children – Awareness – Legislation – Evaluation Three DGs involved, science-based, stakeholders consulted Shared biomonitoring information, coordinated action plan.

David Zaruk8 EU environment perspectives 6th Action Plan has not made progress No real mandate in any EC or EU treaties («flanking» in constitution) Environment Council is divided Player on the international stage to influence national government policy

David Zaruk9 Some minefields GMOs, Member States and the WTO REACH - SCALE Focus on acquis integration WEEE (electronic waste) Polluter Pays Aarhus convention Precautionary principle (policy/politics) Bringing Kyoto home

David Zaruk10 Questions?