Press Release: European Commission welcomes agreement on Directive providing for public participation in environmental decision-making

The European Parliament and the Council have reached agreement on a new Directive on public participation in environmental decision-making. The Directive provides for public participation in the preparation of environmental plans and programmes, in the sectors of waste management, air pollution and protection of water against nitrate pollution, and of projects with significant environmental impact. The Directive implements a part of the UN-ECE Aarhus Convention into EU legislation