COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(91) 362 final 
Brussels, 1 October 1991 
Amendment to the proposal for a 
COUNCIL RFfi^Ay.ffl fpFn 
estabtlçhtng a financial Instrument 
for the environment (LIFE) 
•;i;«si (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 149(3) 
of the EEC-Treaty) 
EXPLANATORY HEUORANDUU 
On 31 January 1991 the Commission submitted to the Council the 
proposal for a Regulation establIshlng a Financial Instrument for 
the Environment (LIFE) (C0U(91)28 final. The objective of this 
action Is to establish a financial Instrument for the environment 
which provides a coherent financial framework and Is better adapted 
to Community action In the field of the environment. 
2. On 13 September 1991 the European Parliament expressed Its opinion 
on the Commission's proposal by adopting report PE 146.246/fin from 
lir Uuntlngh. 
3. At the same sitting of Parliament the Commission explained Its 
reasons for refusing 11 of these amendments and accepting the other 
38. 
The amendments accepted are useful additions which Improve on the 
Commission's original text. 
4. The attached text Is Intended to Inform the Council of the 
amendments which the Commission has accepted and Incorporated In Its 
proposal. pursuant to Article 149(3) of the EEC Treaty. 
OaiRJNA. TEXT AMLNDCD 1EXT 
(Amendment No. 1) 
First citation a (new) 
Having regard to the !u_rpjx>an 
Parliament's vote on the 1991 budqet 
and its resolution of 13 December 
1990(1), 
(1) OJ Ko. C 19, 28.1.1991, p. 220 
(Amendment Ho. 2) 
Second recital 
Whereas, by virtue of Article 130r, 
Community action with respect to the 
environment aims, in particular, to 
preserve, protect and improve the 
quality of the environment, and that 
in the elaboration of this action, 
it will take account, inter alia, of 
environmental conditions in the 
different regions of the Community 
as well as of the economic and 
social development of the Community 
as a whole and of the balanced 
development of its regions; Whereas, by virtue of Article 130r, 
Community action with respect to the 
environment aims, in particular, to 
preserve, protect and improve the 
quality of the environment and to 
ensure the careful, rational use of 
natural resources, and that in the 
elaboration of this action, it will 
take account, inter alia, of 
environmental conditions in the 
different regions of the Community 
as well as of the economic and 
social development of the Community 
as a whole and of the balanced 
development of its regions; 
(Amendment No. 3) 
Second recital a (new) 
Whereas the Community Member States 
should develop solidarity involving 
the transfer of technological know-
how and shared responsibility for 
proceeding the biological diversity 
of the natural ecosystems in the 
Community; whereas this solidarity 
should also embrace the provision of 
suitable funding; 
(Amendment No. 4) 
Second recital b (new) 
Whereas environmental measures 
should also be taken to safeguard 
public health and the well-being of 
the Community's wild flora and 
fauna; 
ORININAI. TCXT AM'NW.D II.XT 
(Amendment No. 6) 
Fifth recital 
Whereas at its meeting on 25 and 
26 June 1990 the European Council 
adopted a declaration setting out 
guidelines for future action by the 
Community relating to the 
environment, in which it indicates 
that the legislative approach should 
be supplemented, where appropriate, 
by economic and fiscal measures; Whereas at its meeting on 25 and 
26 June 1990 the European Council 
adopted a declaration setting out 
guidelines for future action by the 
Community relating to the 
environment, in which it indicates 
that the legislative approach should 
be supplemented, where appropriate, 
by economic and fiscal measures, so 
that environmental considerations 
can be taken fully into account in 
other policy areas, pollution 
prevented at source and/or the 
polluter-pays principle implemented ; 
(Amendment No. 7) 
Seventh recital 
Whereas an analysis of the budgetary 
resources has revealed a rapid 
increase in environmental 
expenditure through a great number 
of financing sources answering 
objectives and constraints inherent 
to the financial instruments used; Whereas an analysis of the budgetary 
resources has revealed a rapid 
increase in environmental 
expenditure through a great number 
of financing sources answering 
objectives and constraints inherent 
to the financial instruments* used, 
with the result that the majority of 
them do not give the highest 
priority to preserving, protecting 
and Improving the Quality of the 
environment; 
CRIRINW. TEXT /TENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 9) 
Eighth recital a (new) 
Whereas, pursuant _to Article 130rjA± 
of the Treaty and without pre-\udice 
to the entry into force of LIFE, 
which is a Community Instrument and 
Is based on the principle of 
£_ol idarity, the Member States should 
not escape their responsibility for 
a national environmental po 1 i c_y_ 
aimed at the sustainable use of 
natural resources! 
(Amendment No. 10) 
Ninth recital 
Whereas it is necessary, in order to 
achieve the aim set by Article 130r 
of the Treaty, to define the 
instrument's general objectives, 
whilst respecting the principle of 
concentration of resources, to 
specify the main categories of tasks 
assigned to it as well as to define 
the types of measures LIFE may 
support; that these measures may aim 
to complete actions already decided 
on and implemented, particularly for 
the protection and safeguard of 
forests; Whereas it is necessary, in order to 
achieve the aim set by Article 130r 
of the Treaty, to define the 
instrument's general objectives, in, 
fche long and short tern, whilst 
respecting the principle of 
concentration of resources, to 
specify the main categories of tasks 
assigned to it as well as to define 
the types of measures LIFE may 
support; that these measures may aim 
to complete actions already decided 
on and implemented, particularly for 
the protection and safeguard of 
forests; 
(Amendment No. 11) 
Ninth recital a (new) 
Whereas it is necessary, in order to 
achieve the aim set by Article 130r 
of the Treaty, to adopt both 
preventive and restorative measures 
to Improve the environment; whereas< 
In this case, prevention Is the most 
effective method and should be given 
preference;, 
S 
QRJRINAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 12) 
Ninth recital b (new) 
Where a s t he Eu r opoan Pa r 1 i a men t _ has 
JT.Ç1?<1§ t ed ly_ i ns i s t ed _p_n _th.e_negd ..for 
coherence^ in particular with a view 
to the drawlng-up of the 1990 and 
19 9 % budgets and has, more. 
precisely. 
Instrument advocated a Financial 
the Environment 
(LIFE) capable of tackling the 
problems to be resolved and 
commensurate with the role which the 
Community has to play in this area;, 
(Amendment No. 14) 
Eleventh recital 
Whereas in order to ensure LIFE'S 
greater financial efficiency and to 
respond better to beneficiaries' 
aspirations, close consultations 
should be instituted between the 
Commission, the Member State 
concerned and the other economic and 
social partners concerned by the 
operations of LIFE, with each party 
acting as a partner, within the 
framework of its responsibilities 
and powers, in the pursuit of a 
common goal; Whereas in order to ensure LIFE'S 
greater financial efficiency and to 
respond better to beneficiaries' 
aspirations, close consultations 
should be instituted between the 
Commission, the Member State 
cdiid&rned and the other economic and 
eocfal partners and NGOs concerned 
by the operations of LIFE, with each 
party acting as a partner, within 
the framework of its 
responsibilities and powers, in the 
pursuit of a common goal; 
(Amendment No. 15) 
Twelfth recital a (new) 
Whereas, because of the Increase in 
economic activity following the 
completion of the internal market, 
the Community's environment will be 
placed under further stress; whereas 
the Community therefore has the 
obligation to adopt environmental 
measures t o combat, and wh e re 
possible prevent, the additional 
pollution of the environment it has 
caused; 
ORIMNAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 16) 
Fourteenth recital 
whereas it is necessary to establish 
effective methods of monitoring, 
assessment and evaluation as well as 
to ensure adeguate Information for 
potential beneficiaries and for the 
publjçx Whereas mon i t o_r; i_ng_, con t to 1 and 
evaluation ,_must be effective ._arid 
w.nereas, therefore, there is _an 
vrgent need for information to be 
widely available to the general 
publ 1c, the social __pa r t ners 
£° ncerne d and the pot e n t i a 1 
beneficiaries; 
(Amendment No. 18) 
Fifteenth recital b (new) 
Whereas LIFE and its expansion 
into a full financial instrument is 
an absolute prerequisite and perhaps 
even the last opportunity for the 
development of « European 
environmental policy which Can deal 
effectively with the Community's 
immense environmental problems and 
ensure the continued existence of 
the people of Europe in a healthy 
environment;, 
(Amendment No. 20) 
Article 1(3) 
3. LIFE shall incorporate existing 
financial instruments! Council 
Regulation (EEC) No. 2242/87 of 23 
July 1987 on action by the Community 
relating to the environment1 (ACE) 
as well as Council Regulation (EEC) 
No. /91 of 1991 relating 
to a Community action for the 
protection of the environment in the 
Mediterranean region (MEDSPA). 3. LIFE shall incorporate existing 
financial instruments: Council 
Regulation (EEC) No. 2242/87 of 
23 July 1987 on action by the 
Community relating to the 
environment1 (ACE) as well as 
Council Regulation (EEC) No. 563/91 
of 4 March 1991 relating to a 
Community action for the protection 
of the environment in the 
Mediterranean region2 (MEDSPA), the 
Council Regulation on action by the 
Community relating to nature 
conservation (ACNAT)^- and the 
Council Regulation on specific 
action_tP -JPr.OteçJt.Jthe ^DYXrOj^ejit In 
the çoaetal areas and coastal wafers 
of the Irish Sea, North Sea, Baltic 
Sea and North East Atlantic Ocean 
(NORSPA)*-. 
T OJ No. L 207, 29.7.1987, p.8 1 OJ No. L 207, 29.7.1987, p.8 
2 OJ No. L 63, 9.3.1991, p.1 
3 COM(90> 0125 
4 COMf90) Q498 
+ 
O&IRINAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 21) 
Article la (new) 
LIFE'S purpose shall be to 
contribute to the implementation of 
Community legislation with regard to 
nature and the environment __and_ of 
1 he object ivos of the eu r r_o n t 
environmental _. «_ÇJLi°J? programme by 
financlngi 
1. priority programmes and actions 
in the environmental sector In the 
Community/ 
2. programmes and actions under 
which international agreements of 
the Community is a signatory; 
(Amendment No. 23) 
Article 3(1) 
1. By 30 September each year, ths 
Commission shall establish, Jj} 
accordance with the principle of 
concentration, after consu11at ion 
with the Committee provided for in 
Article 13 and on the basis of ths 
provisions of this Regulation and of 
the Community action programme for 
the environment, the general 
objectives and the plurlannual 
operations as well as the related 
performance Indicators and the 
criteria governing the choice Of 
i.QdJ.yldual measures to be financed 
by .ill?!?-!. 1. By 30 September each year, the 
Commission shall establish the 
specific objectives. The relevant 
performance indicators and the 
criteria to be ueed ohal\ also be 
eAtâkl lehed. This shall occur in 
consultation with the advisory 
committee referred to in Article 13 
and on the basis of the provisions 
of this Regulation and of the 
current Community action programme 
for the environment * The .Commission 
shall Immediately publish thejs. 
objectives and crUerU U? %h& 
Official Journal oJ Un fyropgAP 
Communities. 
* 
ORIRINAL TEXT AMENDED 1LXT 
(Amendment No. 24) 
Article 3(2) 
2. However, in the course of an 
initial phase covering 1991 and 
1992, LIFE shall finance the 
following actions as a priority! 
- actions answering the eligibility 
criteria of the existing 
environmental financial 
instruments (ACE, MEDSPA)| 
actions aiming to resolve 
particularly serious environmental 
problems or problems of particular 
Community Interest; 
technical assistance and financial 
support actions in third countries 2*± However, in the course of an 
initial phase covsring 1991 and 
1992, LIFE shall finance the 
following actions as a priority! 
!.. actions answering the 
eligibility criteria of the 
existing environmental 
financial instrumente (ACE, 
MKD5PA, NORSPA, ACNAT1* 
11« actions aiming to resolve 
particularly serious 
environmental problems or 
problems of particular 
Cotnsninity interest; 
iii) technical assistance and financial 
support actions in third countries 
b. In addition, a start shall be 
made oni 
1. th< implementation of the 
general objectivée in Article 2; 
11.. actions which are aimed at 
providing industrial sectors 
with a Community based approach 
to existing or future 
environmental problems related 
to these branches of industry. 
<VlRiNAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 25) 
Article 3a (new) 
Conditions 
P.JÇi.°J-S % Y_ ...8_h a 1 i be g^iy e n 
programmes and actions t. to 
a. • where a Community lnteres t is 
concerned, 
b. where the pol^tet-payg 
princjjgle_sappot be appUedu. 
c. which are aimed at a sustainable 
use of natural resources, 
d. which are clearly of a 
transnational. Community .or 
international nature, 
e. which are designed to be more 
stringent than the Community's 
environmental 
leg islat ion standards or 
or which are 
intended to meet these more 
ffuicfclVi 
J?_«_.wh.i£h _maJse _a_ ma jor çontrjbu\ 1 on 
to Community legislation with 
regard to nature and the 
environment, 
g. where the principle of Community 
solidarity is essential for 
solving problems relating to the 
»nvU.9Dffltnt. and n>tv,ftt 
(Amendment No. 26) 
Article 4, points (a) to (a) 
(a) part-financing of programmes} (a) 
(b) part-financing of projects/ (b) 
(c) interest subsidies; (c) 
(d) reimbursable subsidies; (d) 
(e) support ior technical assistance (e) 
and studies in preparation for 
operations. lea) Xpert), financing of programmes; 
Xpartl financing of operations; 
interest subsidies; 
reimbursable subsidies; 
support for technical 
assistance and operations. 
Investment subsidies. 
jo 
ORJklNAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendments Nos. 46 and 27) 
Article 7 
To this end, national partnership 
committees shall be established, in 
the Member States in order to 
prepare and monitor the execution of 
the operations financed by LIFE, 
These committees, with 10 to 15 
members, shall comprise 
representatives of .the competent 
authorities and representatives of 
the environmental movements, 
consumer oroanlgatlons. Industry and 
trade union» and/or Independent 
experts. 
For the transnational or 
transsectoral operations, the 
Commission shall establish an 
appropriate partnership committee at 
Community level. 
(Amendment No. 28) 
Article 8, first subparagraph a (new) 
Until 31 December 1992 the 
appropriations voted for t he 
objectives . listed 1 n, Art icje 3.i2± 
shall be specified separately in 
the budget. This shall also apply 
to the financial Instruments 
referred to In Artjcje 3(2.ab. 
(Amendment No. 31) 
Article 8, second subparagraph c (new) 
If the sums provided relate to 
programme» or actions which, on the 
basis of the polluter pays 
principle, are recovered by the 
Member States from the polluter. 
the Member State» shall pay the 
subsidies provided by the Community 
back to the Commission, which shall 
again allocate them for LIFE. 
(Amendment No. 32) 
Article 9 
Differentiation of ratee of Differentiation of ratee of 
assistance aaeletance and financial criteria 
*K ^ 
CkiKÏNAL ÎLXT A'-ÏN'^D U.XT 
1. Trie Commu;- il. y contributions to the 
financing of opérât i on s s h «11 be 
differential fd in the light of the 
foliovinçs 1. The Community contributions to 
the financing of operations shall be 
differentiated in the light of the 
foilowingi 
the seriousness of the specific, 
notably regional, environmental 
problème to be tackled; 
the special importance attaching 
to the measures frcT» a Community 
viewpoint; 
- the capacity of the country or of 
the beneficiary to contribute. the seriousness of the specific, 
notably regional, environnant a 1 
problems to be tackled; 
the special importance attaching 
to the measures from a Community 
viewpoint for the protection of 
the natural heritage and for 
public-, health; f ' 
the capacity of the country or 
of the beneficiary to contribute 
(principle of solidarity). 
?. Th<? rates of Community assistance 
granted under LIFE shall be subject 
to the following ceilings: 2. The rates of Community assistance 
granted under LIFE shall be subject 
to the following ceilings* 
- a maximum of 15% in the case of 
investment subsidies^ 
a maximum of 30% of the total cost 
in the case of private 
investments; - a maximum of 30% of the total 
cost in the case of private 
investments; 
a maximum of 50% of the total cost 
in the case of public investments 
and pilot 
projects ; or demonstration 
exceptionally, a maximum of 75% of 
the cost in the case of biotopes 
or habitats of Community interest; a maximum of 50% of the total 
cost in the case of public 
investments and pilot or 
demonstration projects; 
exceptionally, a maximum of 75% 
of the cost in the case of 
biotopes or habitats of 
Community interest. The 
Commission can decide to.bear up 
to 100% of the costs if plan t s 
or animal spec!es are *t risk of 
extinction; 
- exceptionally, a maximum of 100% 
of the total cost in the case of 
measures destined to acquire the 
information required to undertake 
an action as well aa for technical 
assistance. exceptionally, a maximum of 100% 
of the total cost in the case of 
measures destined to acquire the 
information required to 
undertake an action as well as 
for technical assistance. 
- exceptionally, a maximum of 100% 
of the total cost in the case of 
urgent actions where the 
polluter is npt yet known. When 
the polluter has been identified 
the costs should be recovered 
from him in accordance with the 
procedure in Article 0, second 
subparagraph c. 
M, 
OUIRJNAL 1EXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 34) 
Article 10(3), second subparagraph (new) 
c) ïkt—Commlsslon ehal \__^yr\Ç^mrjl_ l^LS 
choice bv 30 Juna At frjmj nrmt , 
(Amendment No. 35) 
Article 10(5a) (new) 
5. *• _Jhe _ jCommJ ss i on J h a y. publ is h 
the proqr a rame s and operations 
chosen in 
the Offici.nl Journal. 
(Amendment Nc. 36) 
Article 10(5b) (new) 
5b. The Commission may decide to 
Institute a six-monthly 
application procedure. 
(Amendment No. 37) 
Article 31 
without prejudice to checks carried 
out by national authorities in 
accordance with national l.aw8,_ 
requ 1 at ions and administrative 
provisions, and without prejudice to 
frtlcle 206 of the Treaty or to any 
inspection carried out on the basis 
of Article 209(c) of the Treaty, the 
Commission may carry out on-the-spot 
checks in conformity with the 
procedures set out in the financial 
regulations, including sample checks, 
in respect of actions financed by 
LIFE, and may examine the control 
systems and measures established by 
national authorities, which inform 
the Commission of the measures taken 
in this respect. 1. In order to ensure the success of 
the activlties carried out by those 
receiving financial aid,the 
Comm las ion s h a 1 1 adopt the 
necessary measures: 
to verify and monitor that the 
operations financed by the 
Community are carried out 
properly; 
- to prevent and deal wit h 
irregularities; 
- to recover funds lost through 
abuse or negligence. 
2. Without prejudice to the checks 
carried out by ths Court of 
Auditors in conjunction with the 
national control bodies or 
services, pursuant to Article 206a 
of the Treaty, and all the 
inspections carried out pursuant to 
Article 209c of the Treaty, 
officials and other staff of the 
Commission may monitor the 
activities financed under the 
Community project on the spot, 
including by mean» of sample 
check». 
The Commission shall inform the 
beneficiary In advance of an on-
the-spot check only when there are 
good reasons to auopect fraud and/or 
improper use. 
JS> 
ORIRINAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
3. The recipient of financial _a_id 
shall hold a 1J^ doc ua entary e vi d en c e 
of expenditure . a.ej»ocia_ted.._w.it h_ _th§ 
project at the disposal of the 
Convoieslpn for five years after the 
last payment for a project. 
(Amendment No. 38) 
Article 11a (new) 
1 The Commission can reduce, 
suspend or reclaim the payment of 
financial aid granted for a project 
Af_ it becomes apparent that there 
has been abuse or If a significant 
change hae been made in the project 
which conflicts with the nature or 
implementing conditions of the 
project and where the Commission's 
approval has not been sought. 
2. If the deadlines have not been 
observed or If oply a part of .the 
aJL located flpancjaj aid Is 
justified by the progress In 
Implementation of a project, the 
Commission shall request ths 
bene flc1ary to submit its 
ob servatlons to the Commission 
within a specified period. If the 
beneficiary does not give a 
satisfactory answer, the Commission 
ma y cancel th e remaining financial 
aid and request the repayment of 
money paid out at an earlier stag». 
3. Any undue payment must be repaid 
to the Commission. Interest can be 
added to any sums not repaid within 
the deadline set. The Commission 
shall establish more detailed 
provisions for the Implementation of 
this paragraph. 
(Amendment No. 39) 
Article 12 
The Commission shall ensure that the 
X. mp lcmentatlon of Community. 
operations Is efficiently monitored 
and evaluated on the terms set out in 
t he_Dec i s ion. Contract or Agreementt 1. The Commission shall ensure 
effective monitoring or the 
implementation 
operations. This of Community 
monitoring shall 
take place on the basis of reports 
drawn up using the procedures agreed 
by the Commission and the 
heneflgUrv a,nd shall also involve 
M 
Cm RI'J*. TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
The Cofftfrlgsiop _eh_lj submit.. _an 
annual report to Uie_._J?urc'.pea_ 
Parliament and the Council on the 
1 tap 1 e men tat ion of Comm unity 
operationsv 
2. For each p luriannua 1 a c t i on. _ t he 
beneficiary shall submit progress 
reports to the Commission at the 
latest »ix months after the 
conclusion of each full Implementing 
year. Within six months of 
completion of the project a final 
report shall also be forwarded to 
the Commission For each project 
lasting less than two years the 
beneficiary shall Bubmlt a report to 
the Commission within six months of 
the project's completion. The 
Commission shall determine the form 
and content of these reports. 
3. On the basis of the monitoring 
procedure» and report» referred to 
In (1) and (2) the Commission shall 
if necessary adjust the scale or the 
condition» of allocation of the 
originally approved f injinçjLal aid 
*Qd__aIJBO the timetable for paymentB^_ 
4. The conclusion» of this 
evaluation and monitoring shall be 
published in the Official Journal of 
the European Communities. 
(Amendment No. 40) 
Article 12a (new) 
The European Environment Aoency 
The European Environment Agency may 
assist the Commission wltfr the 
task» referred to in the preceding 
Articles. 
js 
ORIRINAL TEXT AMENDED TEXT 
(Amendment No. 42) 
Article 14, first indent 
making potential beneficiaries and - making potential beneficiariesx 
trade organizations aware of the trade organizations and NGOs 
opportunities afforded by the aware of the opportunities 
action; afforded by the action; 
(Amendment No. 53) 
Article 14, final paragraph (new) 
The list of measures and the amount 
of financing granted them bv the 
Commission shall be published each 
year in the Official Journal of. the 
(Amendment No. 43) 
Article 15, first paragraph 
The Council shall re-examine this The Council shall re-examine this 
Regulation for the first time on the Regulation for the first time on the 
basis of the experience acquired, basis of the experience acquired, 
taking account of budgetary and in the light of the opinion of 
forecasts, and on a proposal from the the European Parliament, taking 
commission to be submitted before account of budgetary forecasts, and 
31 December 1992. on a proposal from the Commission to 
be submitted before 31 December 
1992. 
(Amendment No. 54) 
Article 16 
This provision shall also apply to 
the proposals for regulation» ACNAT 
and NORSPA if they have already been 
adopted when this Regulation come» 
lato force. 
A 
i,.-rf,. 
Amended text of the 
A. Action within the Community 
1 • Promotion of sustainable development and the quality of life 
Action aiming to: 
promote the development of new techniques and methods of measuring 
and monitoring the quality of the environment; 
promote the development of new clean technologies, I.e. which cause 
little or no pollution and which may also be more economical in 
their use of resources; 
promote the development of techniques for recycling and re-using 
waste, Including waste water ; 
promote the development of techniques for locating and restoring 
sites contaminated by waste and/or hazardous substances; 
accelerate the application of emission standards in sectors 
responsible for substantial point source pollution, in particular 
In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises; 
promote the development of regional planning and management models 
and socio-economic activities consistent with the objective of 
sustainable development, which are likely to ensure the careful and 
rational use of natural resources, especially In the field of 
transport, tourism and development of urban areas; 
contribute to a reduction in the dumping Into water of bio-
accumulable pollutants; 
improve the quality of urban life, in both central and outlying 
areas. 
/t 
- 2 -
2• Protection of habitats and nature conservation 
Act ion aIming to: 
maintain or re-establish biotopes providing refuge for endangered 
species or seriously threatened habitats of particular Community 
interest; 
contribute to the Implementation of measures to maintain or re­
establish endangered species under Directive 79/409/EEC; 
contribute to the implementation of measures to maintain or re­
establish types of natural habitats of Community interest and the 
species of animals and plants of Community interest listed in Annex 
contribute to the protection of soil threatened or damaged by fire, 
desertification, coastal erosion or the disappearance of dunes; 
contribute to the protection and promotion of habitats and greon 
spaces in urban areas. 
3. Administrative structures and environmental services 
Act ion aiming to: 
promote the pooling of resources and encourage greater cooperation 
between the Community countries' national administrations, with 
particular emphasis on the resolution of transfrontier and global 
environmental problems; 
promote the development and use of services able to help 
enterprises and administrations find solutions consistent with 
sustainable development; 
promote the fitting out, modernization and development of 
monitoring networks with a view to reinforcing environmental 
leg i s t at ion; 
M 
- 3 -
A. Education, training and information 
Act ion aiming to: 
promote a better understanding of the problems involved, thereby 
encouraging behaviour consistent with environmental objectives, in 
particular with the help of Instruments such as environmental 
auditing and the eco-label; 
promote environmental education In various administrative and 
professional fields; 
promote environmental education at the various stages of education 
(primary, secondary and higher), In particular by promoting 
information, exchange of experience, training and educational 
research; 
ensure the dissemination of knowledge relating to sound 
environmental management, in particular knowledge acquired under 
programmes and projects financed by the financial instrument for 
the environment (LIFE). 
B. Action outside, the Community 
Act Ion aiming to: 
promote the creation of the necessary administrative structures in 
the field of the environment; 
provide the technical assistance necessary for establishing 
environmental policies and action programmes; 
encourage the transfer of appropriate environment-friendly 
technologies and promote sustainable development; 
provide assistance to non-member countries faced with urgent 
environmental problems. 
A 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(91) 362 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 14 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-91-412-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-75906-2 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
Lr2985 Luxembourg