Enforcement is crucial to ensure effective implementation. A lack of enforcement would undermine the credibility of the whole idea of EU environmental legislation. The EEB is prepared to play a role in helping to ensure that implementation takes place.At national level, the practices of environmental NGOs differ widely, due to a combination of different legal systems and political cultures. There is a need for a substantial increase in the capacity and the mandate of the Commission. There is also a clear link to the implementation of the Aarhus Convention, as this gives NGOs the right to go to court over these issues. Another complicating factor which can impact the effectiveness of NGOs is the trend towards more complex processes of implementation. NGOs interested in enforcement, therefore, need a strong link with the « Brussels » level.

Implementation is a term which covers a wider area than enforcement, as it also includes the process of converting general requirements into specific actions. This is no longer a process that exclusively takes place at national level. In « Brussels », technical committees hold meetings with representatives from member states, stakeholders, and also private bodies such as the European Committee on Standardisation (CEN), play a role. The EEB office is therefore of great importance to EEB members who want to have an impact on implementation.

For background information and other links click
	For more information, please contact: Regina Schneider email: info@eeb.org