Press Release: Commission calls upon business to reach agreements to protect the environment

The European Commission adopted a Communication on environmental agreements at EU level on 17 July 2002. The Communication explains how the framework set out in the Commission's recently adopted 'Action Plan on the Simplification and Improvement of the Regulatory Environment' can be applied to environmental agreements. 'Environmental agreements' are typically unilateral commitments from business or industry designed to achieve pollution abatement or other environmental objectives. They can form a rapid and flexible response to environmental challenges from stakeholders who gave gained particular experience in the field. They should stimulate a proactive approach from industry and can offer cost-effective solutions for the faster achievement of environmental objectives. This Communication seeks to encourage environmental agreements at Community level, while safeguarding the Commission's right of initiative and the right of control of the European Parliament and the Council.