The Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental matters (1998) is, at international level, currently the most important legal instrument to promote environmental governance.

In 2001, the Commission issued a White Paper on Governance, with proposals on how to improve decision-making and participation processes between authorities at different levels, and with civil organisations and social partners.

At the End of 2002, the Commission produced General principles and minimum standards for consultation of interested parties by the Commission. They are a step forward, even though they do not include the right to be consulted in cases where the Commission does not see the need. It does not establish right to EU citizens or their organisations. Another concern is that the Commission tends to rely a lot on Internet consultation and on hearings organised by the Economic and Social Committee. While we believe Internet consultation is useful, it cannot replace a discussion directly between interest groups and senior officials of the Commission.

Aims:

• Implementation of the principles of the Aarhus Convention into the daily practice of the EU, in particular by its Commission and the Council.

• Ensure an active role of the EU in the implementation of the initiatives and action plans agreed at the Johannesburg Earth Summit.

Activities:

• Monitoring of the practical implementation of the General principles and minimum standards for consultation of interested parties by the Commission.

• Follow the post-Johannesburg activities on the EU and UN level.