Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2012)710 - General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 "Living well, within the limits of our planet" - Main contents
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This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2012)710 - General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 "Living well, within the limits of our planet". |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2012)710  |
| date | 29-11-2012 |
Environment Action Programmes (EAP) have guided the development of EU environment policy since the early 1970s. In line with the Treaty, EAPs are adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure. The 6th EAP expired in July 2012; the European Commission, in response to demand from stakeholders, including the Council and the European Parliament, is proposing a successor programme.
The context of this proposal is fourfold. First, despite progress in some areas, major environmental challenges remain, as well as opportunities to make the environment more resilient to systemic risks and change. Second, the EU has adopted the Europe 2020 Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, which guides policy development for the period up to 2020. Third, while many Member States are struggling to cope with the economic crisis, the need for structural reforms offers new opportunities for the EU to move towards an inclusive green economy. Finally, Rio+20 highlighted the importance of the global dimension.
This EAP aims to step up the contribution of environment policy to the transition towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy in which natural capital is protected and enhanced, and the health and well-being of citizens is safeguarded. The programme provides an overarching framework for environment policy to 2020, identifying nine priority objectives for the EU and its Member States to attain.
Responsibility for achieving environment and climate-related goals and objectives is shared by the EU and its Member States. The programme should be implemented at the appropriate level, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.
Contents
In preparing this proposal, the Commission carried out an impact assessment taking into account the views expressed by the other EU institutions, as well as by a broad range of stakeholders. It also drew on a number of studies and evaluations. The assessment found that the proposal would add value in a number of ways: by providing a strategic framework for environmental policy in the EU; by ensuring complementarity and coherence; by ensuring predictability and a level playing field; and by stimulating action at all levels of governance. The views expressed by a majority of stakeholders support these findings and the proposed focus of the programme.
This proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on a new General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 is based on Article 192 (3) TFEU.
The programme in this proposal for a Decision has been developed in line with the Commission proposal for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020.