This report, prepared by the Institute for European Environmental Policy, seeks to provide a first brief assessment of current environmental actions in Europe, and to identify the unique contribution that the EEA can make to laying the foundations for a more sustainable development path.

This report is published as the first number of a newly established "Experts' Corners" series. It is presented to the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and the Member States and the technically oriented general public.

Table of Contents

Foreword

1. Introduction

2. Current Environmental Policy

2.1 International Agreements and Conventions

2.2 EU Environmental Policy

3. New Directions

3.1 Introduction

3.2 The UNCED Process

3.3 Towards Sustainability in the EU

3.4 The 'Environment for Europe' Process

3.5 National and Sectoral Initiatives

4. The EEA's Contribution

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Analysis of Administrative Structures

4.3 Policy Development

4.4 Public Information

References

Annex 1