EU Environmental Policy and Law: Reflections at Fifty

The last 50 years have seen the creation of a remarkable body of EU environmental legislation, policy, and case-law.

But in an era of international turbulence, the rule of law is repeatedly being challenged. Economic pressures have led to intensified questioning of environmental protection measures. Environmental degradation continues. This major new book is therefore a timely exploration of critical issues concerning the current EU environmental acquis.

Written by 28 of today’s leading European environmental law scholars, all members of the Avosetta Group, it provides rich insights on problems and solutions, based on extensive personal experience and knowledge. The book will be essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of environmental law and policy.

In 27 chapters sectoral, horizontal and constitutional problems of EU environmental law are discussed. The topics addressed include:

• Biodiversity conservation and nature restoration
• Air quality
• Water pollution and water scarcity
• Climate change
• Chemicals
• Plant protection
• Circular economy
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Direct regulation
• Economic instruments
• Implementation and enforcement
• Environmental liability
• Criminal law
• Public access to information and participation
• Principles of effective judicial protection
• Rights of indigenous people exemplified with the Saami
• Legislative design
• Codification
• Fundamental rights
• Future generations and the law
• The role of the Court of Justice of the EU
• Critiques of ecological law and policy
• External effects of EU environmental law and eco-legal transitology