WRITTEN QUESTION E-0244/99

by Ulf Holm (V) to the Commission

(12 February 1999)

Subject: The EU's sustainable development objective

One of the objectives which the Treaty of Amsterdam sets for the EU is sustainable development. This objective will in itself inevitably mean dramatic changes in many EU policy areas.

Will the Commission carry out a systematic study of EU policies in order to ascertain whether they are compatible with sustainable development?

What action will it take so that sustainable development can be achieved?

How will it ensure that EU-funded investment and assistance, e.g. for improving infrastructure, do not increas pressure on the environment but result instead in sustainable development?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(15 April 1999)

The Amsterdam Treaty has recognised the importance of ensuring that all Community policies make their contribution to the protection of the environment and the achievement of sustainable development.

In order to give substance to this commitment, in June 1998 the Commission submitted to the Cardiff European Council a document called Partnership for integration(1), identifying the importance and potential of this commitment and calling on the heads of state to signal their support. This they did by putting in place a process whereby each Council formation is being asked to prepare strategies for the integration of environment into the policy area under their authority. In the first instance, the Energy, Transport and Agriculture Councils were asked to commence this exercise and subsequently the Vienna European Council has asked the Development, Single Market and Industry Councils to commence such an examination. The Commission is working actively with the various Councils to support these reflections, in some cases by way of the provision of communication and working papers.

In line with the Vienna European Council conclusions there will be an overall review of progress at the Helsinki European Council. Alongside consideration of the global assessment the Commission is currently preparing the operation of the fifth environmental action plan. This combined reflection will play an important part in giving orientation to the next Commission on both the approach and position that should be followed in establishing the programme for sustainable development and environment in the next decade.

At the level of Community funded plans and programmes, increasing emphasis is laid on prior environmental assessment. For the new structural funds 2000-2006, the Commission proposes assessments that cover both the environmental potential of a region as well as direct and indirect impacts on the environment of the planned strategies and measures. The proposed partnership between the Commission and the Member State which associates partners at different levels in the preparation, financing, monitoring and evaluation of assistance, constitutes an additional feature for enhancing environmental integration and for promoting sustainable development in this context.

When specific projects are submitted for Community funding, environmental impact assessments in accordance with Directive 85/337/EEC(2) and its amendment 97/11/EC(3) are required, where applicable, accompanied by appropriate preventive or compensatory measures.

(1) COM(98) 333 final.

(2) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.

(3) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.