Caring for our future. Action for Europe’s environment (Third Edition)

Summary:

For almost thirty years environmental policy has been a priority for the European Union (EU). It has now been brought to the fore by the Treaty of Amsterdam which has turned it into a key political objective of the Union. In close partnership with the Member States, its regions and its cities, the European Union has become responsible for the following tasks: to ensure a high level of well being for everyone; to restore the quality of the environment where it has deteriorated and in the future to act with a view to maintaining the essential balance necessary for our quality of life and sustainable development for future generations.

These steps require a multi-sectoral approach integrating the scientific, economic and political aspects of our policy. It relies on a long term strategy and on the day to day behavior of citizens and business. It also comprises an information strategy that guarantees access to the type of information that helps us to act effectively and gives our citizens the chance to inform the public authorities in return.

The complexity of this whole policy led the European Commission to publish the first edition of this book in 1997. The purpose was to explain to our citizens the various issues at stake, the advances that have been made and also to explain the journey that still lies ahead for the achievement of this common European ambition. The publication has been a great success, so we have published it again with updates. Appearing on the eve of the Year 2000, these pages are a real testament to the efforts made over the past quarter century. They describe the difficulties that have been encountered and those that are still to be overcome.

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