CELEX: 51982PC0616
Language: en
Date: 1982-10-18
Title: AMENDED DRAFT RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL on the continuation and implementation of a European Community policy and action programme on the environment (presented by the Commission to the Council pursuant to the second paragraph of article 149 of the EEC Treaty and to the second paragraph of article 119 of the EAEC Treaty)

ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (82) 616
Vol. 1982/0193
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                              COM(82 ) 616 final
                                              Brussels - 18 October 1902
                   [^3          nj>
                                    AMENDED DRAFT
              RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                  AND OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS
                 OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL
        on the continuation and implementation of a European Community
                 policy and action programme on the environment
        ( presented by the Commission to the Council pursuant to the
        second paragraph of article 149 of the EEC Treaty and to the
        second paragraph of article 119 of the EAEC Treaty )
C0M(82 ) 616 final
 ---pagebreak---                             EXPLANATORY  MEMORANDUM
On 16 June , the European Parliament discussed the draft action programme
of the European Communities on the environment and adopted the ALBER report
drawn up on "behalf of the Committee of the Environment , Public Health and
Consumer Protection .   Certain amendments to its original text have been
accepted by the Commission.
Concerning the draft Council resolution which precedes the text of the draft
action programme , the Parliament asks the Council to commit itself to make
available to the Commission the necessary resources for the implementation
of the programme .  Furthermore , the Parliament invited the Commission to
draw up a list of priorities .
As far as the text of the draft action programme is concerned , amendments
have been requested by the Parliament .    They concern either drafting
ohaaiges or clarifications made by the Parliament so that the original text
of the draft programme takes more into account its preoccupations .
 ---pagebreak---                                       DRAFT
            RESOLUTION OP THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                AND OP THE REPRESENTATIVES OP THE GOVERNMENTS
               OP THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL
      on the continuation and implementation of a European Community
               policy and action programme on the environment
The Council of the European Corriaj canities and the Representatives of the
Governments of the Member States maeting within the Council note that
the projects to which the appended progr&,iians will give rise should in
some c a/sea be carried cut at Community lovsl , and in others he carried
out "by the Member States®
With rvr^Td. to the projects to "be carr 3 ed out "by tbs Jfojafcer States , ths
latter will Supervise their proper execution , it "being understood that
for these projects the Council will exercise the c o~ordinat in g powers
laid down in the Treaties .
With regard to the projects in the programme to "be cairied out "by the
institutions of the Ehiropean Cosuminit1.es ,
THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN C0MUNITI2S ,
Having regard to ths Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel
Community ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy
Community ,
Having regard to the draft from the Commission ,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ( 1 ),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ( 2 ),
(1)   OJH    C
( 2 ) OJ N° C
 ---pagebreak--- Whereas the Declaration of the Council of the European Communities and of
the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting
within the Council of 22 November 1973 0 )». calls for the implementation
of a Eurdpean Communities programme of action on the environment ;
Whereas the Action Programme has been extended and amplified for the
period 1977-198'' by "the Resolution of the Council and the representatives
of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of
17 May 1977 ( 2);
Whereas the tasks of the European Communities are laid down in the Treaties
establishing the Communities ;
Whereas in particular , in accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty-
establishing the European Economic Community , part of the latter* s task
is to promote throughout the Community a harmonious development of
economic activities and a continuous and balanced expansion , whioh
cannot now be imagined without the efficient , long-term management of
the environment 's resources or of an improvement in the quality of life
and the protection of the environment ;
Whereas , consequently , the improvement of the quality of life and the
efficient management of the natural environment * s resources are among
the fundamental tasks of the European Economic Community and whereas
a Community environment policy would help accomplish this purpose ;
Whereas the objectives and principles of this policy have already been
approved "by the Council ;-
Whereas the programme of action on the environment of 22 November 1973 ,
which was extended and amplified on 17 May 1977 , should be implemented
in all its aspects and updated to ensure the continuity of the projects
already undertaken and whereas new tasks should be undertaken in the
period 1982 to 1986 ;
Whereas in particular , in addition to the projects already initiated
( especially in the field of pollution reduction), the efficient
management of all environmental resources requires the preventive side
of the environment policy to be strengthened by the adoption and
implementation of an overall strategy fully integrating environmental
policy with socio-economio " development ;
APPROVES for this purpose the guidelines laid down in the Annex ;
TAKES NOTE that the Conmission will submit appropriate proposals for the
implementation of this programme , notably in the fields in which an action
at Community ( or international ) level is of particular importance such as t
( 1 ) OJ F C 112 , 20.12.1973, p. 1
( 2) OJ N° C 139» 13.06.1977 , p. 1
 ---pagebreak---                                      -3-
–     integration of environmental dimensions into other policies ;
–     development of a global approach concerning the reduction of
     pollution , in order to avoid the transfer of that pollution to the
     different areas of the environment ;
–     economic and social aspects of environment policy ;
–     dangerous substances introduced into the environment ;
–     reduction and indeed elimination of atmospheric , aquatic and
      acoustic pollution ;
–    better use of resources and waste management ;  development of clean
      technologies ;
–     conservation of certain endangered species and certain zones of
      community importance ;
UNDERTAKES to act on these proposals within nine months of the date on
which they were presented by the Commission or , as the case may be , of
the date on which the opinions of the European Parliament and of the
Economic and Social Committee were presented ^
UITBERTAKED further to make available to tha Commission the personnel and
material resources necessary for the implementation of the third action
programme , in particular through the funds for the community operations
concerning the environment as requested by the European Parliament .
 ---pagebreak---                ACTION PROGRAMME OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                          ON THE ENVIRONNENT
                              ( 1982-1986 )
                                 CONTENTS
                                                            Page
I   INTRODUCTION                                              3
II  DEVELOPING AN OVERALL STRATEGY                            7
    General measures                                          7
    The dissemination of and access to
    research results                                          8
    Procedures to ensure that environmental
    data are taken into account in planning                   9
    and decision-making
    Optimal resource allocation                              10
    Applying Council decisions and the
    Information Agreement                                    11
    Improvement and reinforcement of education in
    and public awareness of the environment                  12
III PREVENTION AND REDUCTION OF POLLUTION AND                12
    NUISANCES IN THE DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS
    Fresh water and sea water                                13
    Atmospheric pollution                                    15
    Chemicals                                                16
    Noise                                                    17
    Waste                                                    18
    Technology and pollution                                 19
IV  THE PROTECTION AND RATIONAL MANAGEMENT                   19
    OF LAND , THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
    The rational management of land                          19
    The conservation of flora and fauna                      20
 ---pagebreak---   The rational management of water resources 21
  The management of wastes                   22
  Technology and resources                   23
V ACTION AT INTEKNATI OffAL LEVEL            M
  Action within international organisations  24
  and agencies and co-operation with non-
  member countries
  Co-operation with the developing countries 25
  on environmental matters
 ---pagebreak---                                          – 3–
I       INTRODUCTION
    1 . The declaration at the Paris Summit of Heads of Stats or Government
        of the Member States in October 1972 gave a decisive political
        impetus to the consideration given to the environment in planning
        the socio-economic development of the Community.
        This impetus enabled the Council on 22 November 1973 ( 1 ) to adopt
        a Community Action Programme on the Environment which was updated on
        17 May 1977 ( 2 ) in order to ensure the continuity of the projects
        already undertaken and to undertake new tasks for the- period 1977 to
        1981 . The Community has therefore formulated en environment policy.
    2. Originally the central concern was that , aB a result of very divergent
        national policies , disparities would arise capable of affecting the
        proper functioning of the common market . That could happen with
        different product standards that lead to barriers to the free
        circulation of goods or with policies that imposed too different
        charges on firms and so created distortions of competition.
    3. Now however , the common environmental policy is motivated equally by
        the observation that the resources of the environment are the basis of -
        but also constitute the limits to – further economic and social
        development and :tke improvement of living conditions .  It aims therefore
j       not only to protect human health, nature and the environment but also
        to ensure that natural resources are well managed , in particular by
        introducing qualitative considerations into the planning ajod
        organisation of economic and social development .   It cannot ba
        dissociated , therefore , from measures designed to achieve the
        fundamental objectives of the Community.
    4* The Community's environment policy , as indeed is true of the national
        policies as a whole , has brou^it substantial results in a relatively
        short period and despite growing economic problems .
        The chief form which action has taken has been the preparation of
        legislation and other rules to reduce , and even eliminate , pollution
        and nuisances and to preserve the natural environemnt . Without doubt
        this has provided a basis and a Community frame of reference for the
        various sectors . There have been other forms of action in particular
        a review of new intervention instruments , the completion and
        co-ordination of research and measures to alert public opinion.
( 1 ) OJ N C 112, 20 . 12 , 1973
 ( 2) OJ N° C 139 , 13.06.1977
 ---pagebreak--- Initxaily the essential aim of the Community environment policy
was the control of pollution and of nuisances ; it has gradually
assumed an overall , preventive character. This development offers
the two-fold advantage of environmental protection measures at the
lowest possible cost and of positive measures which support and
complement economic development .   In this connection , the establishment
in the Community of a system of prior inspection of new chemical
substances was the first mile–stone in a wid er-ranging policy which
is intended to take in at a later stage , industrial activities of a
dangerous kind or which are likely to affect the environment to a
significant degree .
Overall , the policy now makes it possible to ensure that certain
measures take place at the right geographical and political level ,
to avoid certain difficulties with regard to the proper functioning of
the common market , to provide a frame of reference for national
policies and , finally , to provide incentives , at the different levels
of action, for conserving natural resources and improving the quality
of life .
Finally , at international level , the Community plays an active role in
international conventions to which it is a contracting party and
co-operates closely with international organisations dealing with
environmental problems and with the authorities in certain non-member
countries faced with the same problems as the Community.
At a time when the economic situation of the Community and of the
Member States continues to worsen , the question arises as to whether
or not the Community environment policy should be modified . The
Commission and the Council have already taken into account the new
economic conditions in carrying-out the first and second action
programmes , especially by developing preventive measures . However ,
environment policy is a structural policy which must be carried out
without regard to the short-term fluctuations in cyclical conditions ,
in order to prevent natural resources from being seriously despoiled
and to ensure that fui^a development potential is not sacrificed .
Furthermore , public opinion is still very concerned about
environmental matters and , despite current economic difficulties ,
continues to support measures to protect the environment .
The tasks to be undertaken during the period 1982 to 1986 should
therefore have the same objectives and priorities , and be based on
the same principles as those which have governed Community action in
the past so that action to protect the environment can be continued ,
and indeed strengthened , to guarantee the quality of life for present
and future generations .
 ---pagebreak---                                     -5-
    The first aim is to complete the many projects provided for in the
    1977-1981 programme which have not been fulfilled for a variety of
    reasons - mainly because of the discrepancy between the scale of
    the projects and the means available for implementing them.
    The Commission intends to pursua work in progress to monitor the
    application of laws and regulations already adopted , to increase
    the effectiveness of the existing body of Community legislation.
6 . However , consolidation and the continuation of the measures laid down
    in the 1973 said 1977 programmes must take into account the socio­
    economic context of the 1980s and th® new political and geographical
    dimensions of the Community of Ten ; nor must pre–accession
    wgotj aiions in progress with two other states be forgotten.
    Economic recovery based on the full and extensive use of every
    reeouroo (both human and natural ) is an aim of vital impojf-tance
    to the economy of the whole Community. Accordingly, the environment
    policy will define the limits and the actions required to attain more
    balanced development without wastage .
    The socio-economic context of the 1980s will mean that environmental
    action must not only take account of the major problems confronting
    the Community ( employment , inflation, energy, balance of payments and
    growing regional disparities ) but must also contribute to the efforts
    made in other ways to find solutions . This will be conditional on the
    deteriorating economic situation not being used as an excuse for
    weakening the environmental polioy that is now under way.
    Accordingly , environmental policy must be concerned t
    – to help in creating new jobs by the promotion and stimulation
       of the development of key industries with regard to products ,
       equipment and processes that are either less polluting or use
       fewer non-renewable resources ;
    – to reduce any form of pollution or nuisance , or of interference
       with spatial features , the environment or resources which create
       waste or unacceptable cost for the Community ;
    – to economize certain raw materials that are non–renewable , or of
       which supplies can be obtained only with difficulty, and to encourage
       the recyoling of waste and the search for less polluting
       alternatives ;
    – to prevent or reduce the possible negative effects of using energy
       resources other than oil , such as coal or nuclear power , and to
       promote energy saving and the use of less polluting energy
       resources ;
 ---pagebreak---                                            - 6.
         –    to reinforce the implementation of the Information Agreement
              cf 5 March 1973 ( 1 ) to avoid individual national measures
              affecting the proper functioning of the internal market or
              making the adoption of appropriate Community measures more
              difficult .
     7 « The enlargement of the Community and its new Mediterranean
         dimension make it necessary for environmental protection measures
         to contribute more effectively and {specifically to protecting the
         Mediterranean Cea within the limits of overall policy for that area .
         Active Community participation in the Convention for the Protection
         of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution , and the protocols
         thereto , will provide the best protection for the economic , social
         c.tid cultural values of the Mediterranean basin , preserve its common
         heritage and help the improvement , the political climate and the
         Fearch for lasting peace in this region.
   i     In the case of the North Sea , the Community 's second international
   !     waterway , a more co-ordinated policy should be pursued . In
         particular , attention must be paid to the adverse ecological
   ;     impact on the North Sea of ( often mutually incompatible ) human
  j      activities such as oil and gas recovery , sand and gravel removal ,
         shipping and pollution by land-based sources and atmosphere . One
  I      of the top priorities must be to reach some form of co-ordinated
  I      administrative and legal policy that will safeguard to the fullest
  {      extent the continued existence of the North Sea af-: an important
  ;      and immensely valuable ecological unit .
     8 . To itensify the above measures and implement a preventive
         environmental protection policy in a full and effective manner ,
         the Community should seek to integrate concern for the environment
         into the planning and development of certain economic activities as
         rruch as possible and thus promote the creation of an overall
         strategy making environmental policy a part of economic and social
         development . This should result in a greater awareness of the
         environmental dimension , notably in the fields of agriculture ,
 j       ( including forestry and fisheries ) energy , industry , transport and.
         tourism .
         Moreover , as the gaps between the levels of development of the
         different regions in the Member States widen , the Community 's
         environment policy should pay more attention to regions,! aspects .
( 1 ) CJ N° C 9 , 15.03.1973 and OJ N C 86 , 20.03.1973
 ---pagebreak---                                          -7-
       The Community 's environment policy is also an important element in
       the strategy for industrial innovation the Commission recently
       proposed to the "budgetary authorities . In fact certain measures ,
       in particular those for fighting pollution and exploiting waste ,
       could stimulate technological innovations and so contribute to
       improving the competitiveness of the Community's economy. The
       Community will continue its efforts "by suitable measures .
       To support the attainment of these objectives , the Commission intends
       to make increased use of the possibilities offered by the existing
       Community financial instruments . The Community financial instruments
       for the environment proposed to the Council will make it possible to
       supplement these aids by promoting the development of techniques
       and pilot projects in fields which are not eligible for assistance
       under the existing financial instruments .
II .   DEVELOPING AS OVERALL STRATEGY
   9 . The ultimate objectives of environment policy are the pf-oteotion of
       human health , the long-term availability of all the resources which
       determine the quality of life , of adequate quality and in sufficient
       quantity , namely , water , air , space – from both the land-use and
       landscape points of view - climate , raw materials , the built
       environment , and the natural and cultural heritage , as well as the
       maintenance and where possible , the restoration of the natural
       environment with suitable habitats for flora and fauna.
       In view of their sometimes very close links , the sound management
       of these resources requires that an overall strategy should be
       oonceived and put into practioe . The need for such a strategy ,
       recogpiized in principle in the First and Second Programmes , has
       gradually increased as the latter have been implemented. The policy
       now needs to be put in concrete form , and present and future measures
       arranged within an appropriate general framework , drawing inspiration
       especially from the World Conservation Strategy launched by UNEP , IUCM"
       and WWF in March 1980.
       Three principles are crucial , if that goal is to be achieved , and
       need to be restated ; namely that each type of action must be
       applied at the most appropriate level and that prevention rather than
       cure should be the rule and that wherever possible attempts at
       restoration must be made .
       It is necessary to seek the level of action - local , regional ,
       national , Community or international – best suited to the problems
       in question; consequently , the Community level should be reserved
       for those measures which can be most effective there .     This is
       particularly important , for instance , in spatial planning, where
       responsibilities are often very widely dispersed within the Community.
 ---pagebreak---                                 -8-
Conservation requirements , moreover , should "be considered as early
as possible in socio-economic development planning and decision-
making processes .
Tnie approach , which is also the most economic as far as the
Community is concerned , will become an essential part of all socio­
economic activity.
The following conditions must be met , if the principle of
prevention is to have full effect :
-  the requisite knowledge and information must be improved and
   made readily available to decision–makers and all interested
   parties , including the public ;
   it is necessary to formulate and introduce procedures for
   judgment which '-rill ensure that the appropriate facts are
   considered early in the decision–making processes relating to
   sfjy activity likely to affect the environment significantly .
   So.ch procedures should be carried out in an ecological content ,
   which will need to be gradually defined and will indicate the
   Iririts not to be exceeded to avoid jeopardizing the regenerative
   capacity of the ecosystem and the availability of natural
   resources ^
-  an effort must be made to achieve optimum distribution of
   r " ources ;
-  to monitor the implementation of adopted measures , to ensure
   their correct application and their adaptation if circumstances
   or new knowledge should so require ;
-  to strengthen the cohesion of Community and Member State
   environmental policies ;
-  training and public awareness with regard to the environment
   should be improved and intensified .
The Commission will elaborate ways and means of restoring the
environment and submit proposals for their implementation on completion
of its survey.
Dissemination of and access to research results
In implementing the various research programmes approved by the Council ,
the Commission will place greater stress on , in particular , those
measures which are likely to sustain in the short , medium and long
terms the present action programme . With this in view , it will also
pursue its efforts to co-ordinate the Member States * environmental
research programmer: a
 ---pagebreak---                                         -9-
       The Cowmiaeion will continue its activities concerning the
       dissemination of scientific and teohnioal data on the protection
       and improvement of the environment taking place simultaneously in
       the framework of the third IDST action plan and in the development
   |   of a European information market and a production market of its
   i!  own.
       The Commission will also continue to publish the results of
       pollution measurements compiled under the common information-
       exchange procedures approved "by the Council in respect of surface
       water and air pollution.
       The current " ecological mapping" project is a very relevant
       instance of efforts to make information on the state of the
       environment more accessible throughout the Community .
  11 . Procedures to ensure that environmental data are taken into account
       in planning and decisionr-making
       Environmental impact assessment is the prime instrument for ensuring
       that environmental data is taken into account in the decision-making
       process . It should "be gradually introduced into the planning and
       preparation of all forms of human activity likely to have a
       significant effect on the environment such as public and private
       development projects , physical planning schemes , economio and
       regional development programmes , new products , new technologies , and
       legislation.
       Directive N° 79/831 /EEC ( sixth amendment to the Direotive 67/548/EEC
       on dangerous substances ) ( 1 ) was a first step in this direction at
       Community level .
       The Commission has also sent the Council a proposal for a directive
       introducing environmental impact assessment into existing national
       procedures for the authorisation of new industrial developments and
       agricultural infrastructures ( 2 ).
       If adopted , the directive will be an important step in achieving the
       effective integration of the environmental aspect into decision-
       making in respect of development .
       Where appropriate , the Commission will , in tha light of the
       experience acquired in these two areas , put forward proposals to the
       Council for the gradual extension of the field of application of
       environmental impact assessments .
       The Commission will further take the necessary initiatives to see that
       all Community measures which are expected to affect the environment
       significantly are gradually subjected to prior assessment .
( 1 ) OJFL 259 , 15.10.1979
( 2) OJ N° C 169 , 09.07.1980
 ---pagebreak---                                                     - ΊΟ-
          V.' . J. . .. ■ ■ ^ ^ t- - - w '--'O . \J
          Care most b© ts-ken to ensure optimum use of resources *    To this
          ei.il it is necessary , "before any new measures are actually taken ,
          to analyse carefully their justification and. their optimum
          efiaotiveness from the point of view of cost-benefit .      The
          Cosarassion will do everything necessary to strengthen this practice ,
          which it has been applying in principle since it began its action.
          The application of the polluter-pays principle ( 1 ) is of decisive
          importance in a strategy which is designed to make -the best use of
          resources . Apportioning the oosts of protecting the environment
          to polluters , as provided "by this principle , constitutes an
          incentive to them to reduce pollution ca'&sed by their activities and
          to discover less polluting products or technologies . This principle
          is therefore the chief wey of bringing market forces to bear so as to
          achieve optimum structuring within a market economy.
          The polluter-pays principle is usually applied by subjecting polluters
          to standards and/or charges and it implies that , in conformity with
          the general principles of the EEC Treaty concerning State aids that
          public authorities do not finance investments required to reduce
          pollution.
          However , in some cases the introduction of new obligations for this
          purpose could be delayed because the consequential financial
           burden can cause serious difficulties for older firms and thus for
           employment *. Paced with this situation , the Commission , "by two
           Decisions dating from 1974 and 1980 , has accepted that Member States
           may grant aids t during a period ending in 198? and under certain
           conditions f aimed at easing the introduction of new Regulations that
           could ensure adequate protection of the environment .
           A particular area where State aids may be needed is in the
           protection of nature and of the landscape , aids which are usually
           given to local authorities or to voluntary organisations . Even if
           these aids do not contravene the provisions of the ISC Treaty
           concerning Stats aids , it is desirable to bring some of these aids
           into a Community context and so ensure their cohesion and thus
           increase their effectiveness .
           Charges constitute on® of the instruments for the application of the
           polluter–pays principle and they can provide an incentive to the
           introduction of anti–pollution measures to reinforce the application
           of standards and stimulate innovation , especially if residual
           pollution is also covered by the charge . It is necessary therefore
           to study carefully the fields where charging systems would allow
           the achievement of the objectives of environment policy more
            efficiently* However , care must be taken to ensure that any such
            charges do not , in their practical application , amount to a licence
           to pollute .
( 1 / The first Community action programme on the environment , title II , 5
      ( 0J Ho C 112 , 20.12.1973 ) and the Council Recommendation of 3 March
        1975 concerning cost allocation arid aotion by public authorities on
        environmental matters ( 0J No L 194 , 25*7*75 )«
 ---pagebreak---     An environmental strategy at Community level should also be fasded
    by financial resources specifically set aside for environmental
    purposes . Such instruments , which by their very existence would
    have a snowball effect and tend to stimulate the required " ismosis "
    between national and Community environmental policies , would put
    the Community is a better position to help implement a balanced
    environmental policy in all its regions .
    The Commission has proposed the inclusion in its preliminary draft
    budget for 1982 of ( admittedly symbolic ) amounts for these purposes .
    An optimum form for Community financial intervention concerning the
    environment will have to be thought out on the basis of the
    experience which would be gained from using these appropriations .
    Finally , the Commission is drawing attention to the need to deploy
    greater efforts on integrating environmental data more fully into
    national accounts . National accounts in their traditional form do
    not take account of moBt environmental cost nor the Iranefita of
    improving the environment because they are difficult to measure .
    Consequently it is important to improve indicators of environmental
    quality to supplement traditional national accounts that take
    inadequate account of th6 costs and benefits of improving the
    environment . Improvements should be achieved by promoting rjid
    harmonizing environmental statistics and introducing a common
    nomenclature of environmental parameters .   Moreover , the inclusion
    of environment costs in GNP would be facilitated "by the application
    of the polluter-pays principle and the use of charges to internalise
    external costs .
13* Applying Council decisions and the Information Agreement
    The Commission will continue to examine very closely the
    incorporation of Community texts into natior.al law, in particular :
    –  the forms of national legislation used to incorporate
       the Community texts , and
    – the complete incorporation thereof in all regions of each
       Member State , especially those where environmental protection
       is not the sole responsability of the central government ;
    – the publication of legal and administrative provisions intended
       to give effect to Community text .
  j The Commission will also oontinue to examine very closely the actual
    implementation at national level of Community regulations , directives
  j and reoommendations and will ensure that appropriate action is taken.
    This examination will also include a study of the sanctions available
    in the Member States in case of infractions .
 ---pagebreak---                                                      12-
        Ü/C X v-k3 ú"vc- Va ñ ,  \ .fa J y Obí'.-.O, ü "Uiio   ¿¿íO ; \iii3 J^lvXCL/ ^cU'í. 0üvU:j.OÍ.l
        ,eags *«d tn»t a. concerted effort must be aade to strengthen and
        develop the intes-nal mBr-ket w .                    Th© Information Agreement on the
        eavironaient of 5 March 1973 provides one important means for
        achieving progress in this field .                        The number of measures notified
        to the Commission pursuant to the Agreement fell from 41 in 1974
        to 2 in the first half of 1981 . The Commission will make a
        thorough examination of the way in which the Agreement has "been
        applied in the nine years of ite existence .                             This will include
        notably a comparison of the measures notified to the Commission by
        the Member States and all the measures adopted by them , and will
        bring out the different national interpretations of the provisions
        in the Agreement . After the review , the Commission will put
        forward appropriate proposals for strengthening the application of
        the Agreement . Following this review , the Commission will make
        whatever proposals may be necessary to strengthen the application
        of the Agreement .
  14 *  Improvement and reinforcement of education in and public awareness
        of the environment
        Consciousness of the importance of protecting and improving the
        environment is a necessary condition for more responsible behaviour
        towards it at individual level .
        Beyond the individual level , it is of first importance that public
        opinion , informed mainly by socio-economic undertakings , should
        support the efforts made at national and Community levels in
        favour of the adoption and application of laws required to protect
        the environment .              For this reason the Commission will continue its
        action to spread information and to promote awareness in this field ,
      i It will continue its support , where necessary and at the appropriate
      ; levels , of non-governmental organisations working in the environment
      ; field .
        Particular attention will be given to the education of young people
        of school-going ag® . The network of pilot schools in the
        environmental field will be extended to the secondary education level
        and similar action for professional education will be considered .
Ill -   PREVENTION MB REDUCTION OF POLLUTION AID NUISANCES IN THE
        DIS7EHÉHT E5TOR0NÎÊNTO
  15 «  It is first of all essential to combat the deterioration of the
        environment by reducing pollution and nuisances , in order to develop
        sotsnd management of natural resources and to protect human beings .
        For practical           reasons , the Community and the Member States have most
        often carried           out specific measures of this type in each
        environmental           sphere separately. Although it will continue with this
        approach , the          Commission will also pay great attention to co-ordinating
 ---pagebreak---                             - 13-
those measures . With this in mind , it will review in particular
how different discharges of wastes which can affect many
environments can be regulated as a whole , so as to avoid any
transfer of pollution that might arise from only partial measures .
To contribute effectively to the conservation of the natural
environment , the Commission will ensure that the application of
Council directives and decisions does not result , directly or
indireotly , in a reduction of environmental quality. It will also
study how the total discharges of oertain substances could
gradually be reduoed , with a view to submitting proposals to the
Council .
The monitoring of pollution in the different environments also needs
to be improved , especially in the context of UKEP 's Global
Environmental Monitoring System.
Sectoral studies conduoted in various Member States have Bhown that
some forms of pollution and nuisance help to bring about an
irreversible deterioration of the Community 's natural heritage .
A joint effort must be made to ensure that the latter is protected .
To start with , the Commission will draw up an inventory of those
sites which are particularly threatened and will continue studies
to determine the criteria for establishing the cause–effect
relationship in respect of different types of pollution and
nuisance .
In carrying out this Programme , the Commission will pay special
attention to pollution which affects more than one Member State
at once . The Community will also have to increase its contribution
to international efforts to combat transboundary pollution affecting
Member States and non-member countries .
In particular , in order to overcome certain difficulties caused by
the application of Council directives and decisions in the
environmental field which may affect the economies of certain
regions in the Community , the Commission has proposed that a
financial instrument for the environment should be set up to act as
an incentive and a catalyst .
Fresh water and sea water
The Commission will continue with the measures begun under the first
two programmes and will implement the directives and decisions adopted
by the Council with a view to preventing and reducing water pollution.
The following are the main areas concerned :
–  the oontrol of pollution by dangerous Bubstances }
–  the control of pollution from oil spills ;
–  monitoring and control with a view to improving water qmality
   and reducing pollution.
 ---pagebreak---                                              1 4-
    !?•     As regards the pollution of the aquatic environment "by the
            dangerous substances covered by Directive 76/464/£®C ( 1 ), it io
            essential to adopt tha first implementing measures as soon as
            possible . Future action will involve the careful selection of
            priorities and the use of simplified procedures , especially
            i-dth regard to the substances in List I. Particular attention
            will be paid to harmonizing programmes for reducing pollution
            by the substances recorded in List II of the same Directive .
            To luake this action more effective , the Commission will review
            measures for reducing indirect or dispersed discharges of
            certain substances and , if necessary , will send the appropriate
            proposals to the Council .
   18«      As regards marine pollution by hydrocarbons , the serious
            consequences of illegal deballasting and repeated accidents –
            including some fairly recent ones – highlighted the inadequacy
            of attempts in the last decade to reduce this form of pollution
            and the urgent naed for effective action at all levels®
            To combat hydrocarbon pollution effectively , it is first of all
            essential to accelerate the implementation of a preventive
            policy . The Commission will therefore take steps to ensure that
            th'3 international conventions concluded ixn.de r the auspices of IMCO
            a . i the ILO are quickly applied , and that the opportunities
            aifox'ded by these conventions are properly used .
            In the event of an accident , the authorities in the Member States
            concerned must be able to intervene quickly in a co-ordinated
            manner and with sufficient means .     It is the Commission 's wish to
            contribute effectively to such action and it will therefore act
            to bring into sen/Ice the information system adopted by the
            Council while completing the study of the problems mentioned in its
            Communication to the Council of 26 June 1980 and will make the
            relevant proposals . The Commission will cc– ordinate its work with
            that carried out under the Barcelona Convention, on the Prelection
            of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution and the Bonn Agreement
            011 Pollution of the North Sea ( 2 ).   During this preparatory work ,
            the Commission will regularly consult the Advisory Committee on
            the control and reduction of pollution caused by hydrocarbons
            discharged at sea which it sat up on 25 June 1980 ( 3 ).
    19 *    'J-1*16 Commission will supervise the technical application of the
            Council directives and decisions , especially with regard to the
            common informat ion–exchange procedure approved on 12 I'ecember 1977 ( 4 )
            as well as to the regular reports and ibs progi* •-•<Effie laid down in
(Tfo/ fo L 129 , 18.05 1976
     ; 1 - e f onven-cions ai , irontionad in Councll Hecommendat i ons
       ; 8/584/iiSC and 79/ ìUA3C ( OJ No L 194 , 19*07.1978 and
       OJ No L 33 , 08.02 . : 979 )
( 3 ) OJ No L 188 of 22.07.1980
( 4 ) OJ No L 334 , 24. 12c 1977
 ---pagebreak---                               -15-
  the Council directives . As regards fresh water , studies will "be
  carried out "by the Commission to prevent the dumping of organic
  and certain inorganic substances that accelerate the process of
  eutrophication as well as to reduce thermal pollution which is
  caused by production processes and which , in addition to inters
  acting with other forms of pollution , represents a senseless
  waste of energy.
• Finally , the Commission will continue to take part in the
  international conventions on the protection of fresh and sea
  water to which the Community is a Contracting Party and will
  negotiate the Community 's accession , as and when the Council
  decides , to the other conventions which have the same objective .
  A particular effort will be made to clean up the Rhine under the
  aegis of the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine
  against Pollution. The Community itself shall be prepared to make
  an appropriate contribution to the solution of the pollution of
  the Rhine , especially by salt , as called for in the European
  Parliament 's resolution of 20 November 1981 . The problem of
  pollution of the river Meuse , which flows through three Member
  States , will also be carefully considered by the Commission in the
  coming period. The Commission will also extend its measures aimed
  at the protection of the North Sea.
  Efforts to protect the Mediterranean will likewise be stepped up .
  The Commission has already entered in its draft budget for 1982
  appropriations which will help . to give the Community a more
  vigorous and effective presence in this region.
• Atmospheric Pollution
  As regards the control of atmospheric pollution , the Commission will
  continue its efforts to establish air^-quality standards . As to
  pollutants which are produced by a large number of soattered sources
  – i.e. ubiquitous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydro­
  carbons – the Commission will continue to study the possibility of
  drawing tip Community standards , notably in respect of photochemical
  oxidants .  As regards the pollutants produced by a limited number
  of sources with a small radius of effeot such as fluorine , cadmium ,
  mercury and carbon monoxide , the Commission will study the
  effectiveness of regionally applied standards .
  For some ubiquitous pollutants , a policy will have to be devised
  which initially will stabilize , and thereafter gradually reduce total
  emissions "by establishing emission standards , where necessary , for
  certain sources . This would apply notably to large , fixed sources
  with high stacks which distribute pollutants over a wide radius .
  This aotion will form part of the Commission's contribution to the
  effort to resolve the acid-rain and trans-boundary pollution
  problem being organised "under the Geneva Convention on Long-
  Distance Trans–Boundary Atmospherio Pollution , under the auspices
  of the Economic Commission for Europe .
 ---pagebreak---                                         - 16-
       Coal is another case where emissions can "be restricted .      Energy
       supply problems -will make it necessary to resort to other sources ,
       notably coal , tout will create further , particularly serious
       pollution problems in certain regions .       Specific measures will have
       to be taken to reduce the discharges of pollutants produced by
       burning this fuel especially SO         nitrogen oxides and suspended
       particulates .
       They should be accompanied by the development arid promotion of
       new less–polluting technologies .
       The Commission will study how to strengthen the measures to control
       pollution from motor vehicles . It will in particular study ,
     i together with interested parties , the possibility that all new
       cars put on the market after a certain date be required to use anti­
       pollution devices or fuels which considerably reduce the present
       level of exhaust pollution , and make appropriate proposals . It will
       draw up long–'term guidelines for the motor vehicle sector in general ,
       and in so doing take account , inter alia , of the need for the
       European motor vehicle industry to meet the strict environment
       protection norms laid down try its major competitors such as the
       USA and Japan.
       Tl.e Commission will also tackle the problems connected with the
       environmental impact of municipal waste , incinerating plants and
       o.c1, sludge from zrrunicpal sewage treatment plants .
       Certain technical support measures will have to be taken , such as the
       mere widespread use of emission inventories and the development
       and application of mathematical models representing the
       distribution of pollutants . Even closer attention should be paid
       to the economic consequences of all the proposed measures .
       Work on the harmonization of measuring methods will be continued
       and developed more systematically .
       The Commission will continue to study the effects of certain
       chemicals , such as chlorofluorocarbons , on the ozone layer in the
       stratosphere and on the climate . It will also continue its
       measures to restrict the utlisation of emission of these products
       by monitoring the marketing of existing chemical products . To this
       end it will draw up new forms of agreement with the economic
       interests concerned and take part in the negotiations for a frame­
       work agreement on the protection of the ozone layer which are being
       prepared under the UNEP .
22 .   Chemicals
       The Member Stat JS have joined with industry in applying Community
       measures for th.3 prohibition of substances dangerous to the
       environment as well as for the preventive testing of new and
       existing chemicals .      However , the measures will need to be
       supplemented or improved .
 ---pagebreak---                                   -17-
    The Commission and the Member States must set up proper procedures
    for consultation and co-operation.     This is particularly true of
    the Sixth Amendment to the 1967 Direotive on dangerous substances ,
    the application of which requires a very considerable effort by
    the competent national authorities and the Commission. To
    facilitate the implementation of the Directive , close co-operation
    between the competent national authorities should be encouraged.
    The Commission will therefore set up a co-ordinating committee ,
    consisting of representatives of the Member States , to supervise
    the monitoring of chemical substances .
    In addition the Commission will continue its work on updating the
    directives already adopted on dangerous substances and
    preparations .
    Further , the assessment of the impact of chemicals on man and the
    environment will have to be harmonized to avoid differing
    assessments in the various Member States , which would be detrimental
    to the proper functioning of the common market .    The methods should
    be applied systematically to both new and existing substances .
    Accordingly , the Commission will draw up at regular intervals lists
    of existing dangerous substances which require priority assessment .
    It will be assisted in this task by the Scientific Advisory
    Committee to examine the toxicity and ecotoxicity of chemical
    compounds , which was set up in 1979 *
    Measures which can lead to international agreements on toxic
    substances should also be intensified.     More specifically , it is
    necessary to determine how the mutual recognition of specific test
    data , assessment data and , if possible , assessment procedures , can
    be achieved and to create the appropriate conditions . This could
    be done either bilaterally with certain non–member countries or
    internationally through , say , the OECD.
23* Boise
    In view of the Community's economio situation , future noise-
    abatement measures , while still aimed at the promotion of quieter
    products , will give much great consideration to their socio-economic
    consequences .
    Particular attention will be paid to the connection between noise
    reduction and possible energy savings .
    Further , to give more consideration to the environmental impact of
    different types of noise and to avoid devising solutions that are
    too partial , a greater effort will be made s
    -  to determine simple physical indicators with a view to
       evaluating the quality of a particular acoustic environment ;
    -  to' explore the links between these indicators and the reactions
       of the populations subjected to different types of noise
       source , whether isolated or combined ;
 ---pagebreak---                                           - 18-
          –    to harmonize methods of forecasting levels of exposure to
               noise .
           These different items are also studied and discussed at
           international level .
           Standards for combining sound and heat insulation properties will
          "be studied .
          Particular interest will be paid to the problems of mechanical
          vibrations , especially as regards the protection of the Community f s
           cultural heritage .
          More generally , the Commission will seek to speed up the work
          being done on standardisation by various competent bodies .
           To accomplish these objectives , the Commission will continue to
           take an active part in the standardisation work being done by
           organisations such as ISO , CEI and IUR . and in the special field of
           aircraft noise by ICAO and the ECAC ( 1J .
   24 .    Waste
           WLereass waste production gives rise to problems of resource
           ma-iu.^Jinant , especially on account of the volume and nature of the
           wastes , treatment; and disposal often create pollution and nuisance
          problems .
           With regard to ihe second aspect , the Commission will see to it that
           the provisions regarding the treatment and inoffensive disposal of
           waste contained in the relevant Directives ( 2 ) already adopted by
           tli3 Council are applied and will take the supplementary measures
           necessary , particularly for dangerous and toxic wastes .
(1)     ISO = International Standards Organisation
        CEI = International Electrotechnical Committee
        IUR = International Union of Railways
        ICAO = International Civil Aviation Organi sation
        ECAC= European Civil Aviation Conference
( 2)    OJ      L 194 , 25.07.1975
        OJ N° L 108 , 26.04.1976
        OJ N° L 54 , 25.02.1978
        OJ TT° L 84 , 31.03.1978
 ---pagebreak---                                       -19-
   25 *  Technology and pollution
        Preventive aotion designed to reduce pollution at source will ,
         wherever possible , gradually replace attempts to control the
         effects of pollution and nuisances . The development of new
        production technologies and the design of new products will not
         only help make the management of natural resources more efficient
        "but will also form a major element in the prevention of pollution.
IV      THE PROTECTION AND RATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF LAND . THE ENVIRONMENT
        AND NATURAL RESOURCES
   26 . The rational management of land
        Land in the Community is a very limited and much sought–after
        natural resource . The way it is used very largely conditions the
        quality of the environment . Physical planning is therefore one of
        the areas where a preventive environment policy is very necessary
        and very "beneficial .
        For this reason , policy efforts need to he reinforced , at "both
        national and Community levels in order s
        - to protect and conserve more successfully those zones which
            fulfil important eoologioal or oultural functions (natural or
            semi-natural ecosystems , oountryside , grade 1 agricultural land ,
            ground water protection areas );
        -   to ensure the integrated management of regions which are
            particularly sensitive "because of their environmental
            importance and their attraction to economic developers , e.g.
            coastal regions or certain mountainous areas ;
        - to enhance the positive and reduce the negative effects on the
            environment of agriculture , which together with forestry covers
            more than 80$ of all Community territory. In this respect , the
            guidelines on rural land set down in the Programme of 17 May 1977
            remain valid. Within these limits , the Commission will place
            special emphasis on the prior evaluation of the environmental
            effects of the major programmes and technical projects .
        Sinoe land usage can "be significantly affected , most often
        irreversibly , "by certain Community sectoral policies ( e.g. in
        agriculture , regional development , energy and transport ) the
        Community must help achieve these objectives .
        Work will continue therefore along two main lines :
        - the search for solutions to the problems shared by the
            different Member States and the widest possible distribution
            of the common stock of knowledge ( through manuals of
            integrated management , guides , information schemes , etc.);
 ---pagebreak---                               -20-
- the incorporation of these objectives into Community policies ,
  eBpeoially by the development of suitable procedures as well
  as by the use of comparable information on the state of the
  environment at Community level (" ecological mapping").
The conservation of fauna and flora
Genetic variety which is part of common heritage , constitutes
an important economic resource and is an essential factor
in providing ecological balance .
As a general rule , the measures taken to protect the environment
have also had a beneficial effect on the fauna and flora .    The
protection of the latter , however , also requires specific measures
and , to make these effective , the Community provides an important
stage between the national level ( often too narrow a base ) and the
world level ( where the institutional framework for binding action
is entirely lacking). The specific measures needed are :
– the conservation of habitats ;
– monitoring the collection of wild fauna and flora ;
– monitoring or banning of trade in endangered species and in
  goods or products derived from these species .
The last point impinges directly on Community responsibilities
and therefore requires rules established at Community level
because the unity of the market and the freedom of trade may
bo affected .
As to the collection of wild fauna and flora , national rules
would have to be harmonized to an adequate extent , while
respecting the variety of rational situations .
The main problem is the conservation of habitats where their
gradual , irreversible disappearance in many cases constitutes
the chief threat to tha survival of Bpecies . While it is
recognised that local , regional and national responsibilities
are decisive in this case , a Community framework is becoming
essential if greater cohesion is to be given to such efforts .
Such a framework would ensure that a network of properly
projected biotopes , sufficient in bcth extent and number , and
inter–linked in a rational fashion , was set up and maintained .
The network should be designed in such a way as to guarantee -
as far as the habitat is concerned – the survival of all species
native to the Community.    This would be made much easier if it were
possible to use Coiiimunity financial resources , and in particular
those destined for the protection of the environment . One cost-
effective use of these resources may be to grant support to voluntary
organisations , vrithin a framework of appropriate rules , to manage
nature reserves .
 ---pagebreak---                               - 21 -
     The Commission will also see to it that the policies pursued at
     Community level do not have an unacceptable effect on important
     existing biotopes . The environmental impact of grants made or
     proposed within the framework of the regional , industrial™ energy ,
     transport , tourism and agricultural policies should be 'scrutinized
     so that hte.y make a greater contribution to the achievement of these
     conservation goals . In the context of CAP , the EEC directive
     relating to less-favoured areas should also be examined to
     ascertain if these objectives could be achieved .
     In particular the Commission will give consideration to the needs
     of nature conservation over trade requirements where the protection
     of endangered plant and naimal species and the survival of rare
     ecosystems are at stake .
     Finally the Community will have to play an important role in
     the international conventions for the conservation of species
     e.g. those of Washington , Berne and Bonn . Similarly , the
     Community shou-ld also examine the possibility of acceding to the
     Antarctic Treaty with a view to doin everything possible to
     protect the marine ecosystems from the adverse effects of
     indiscriminate oil and mineral exploitation of the Antarctic .
28 . The rational management of water resources
     The Commission 's role in this sphere consists primarily in
     promoting their rational use and in improving methods for
     evaluating their availability .
     So far , information has not always been distributed in a
     satisfactory way , and the vulnerability of bodies of water
     has not always been fully appreciated . The situation with regard
     to the Community 's water resources is thus beginning to cause
     some anxiety and , in consequence , the conservation of these
     resources is a factor which must be included in all decision-
     making .
     The first steps are :
     - to carry out the objectives laid down in the 1977-81 programme ;
     - to upda,te and complete the data on the availability of the
        Community 's water resorcesj
     - to complete the study for the overall report on ground water
        resources by a further study of their quality and vulnerability .
 ---pagebreak---                                               - 22–
         'iu©            j.ui j)l uijvuj.011 will c or.tr ilyiite to th® tetter
         management of these resources and especially of ground water .
         It could also improve the use of existing resources in the face
         of increasing consumer demand .
         Finally , partioular attention will be paid to supply problems in
         regions of shortage and areas where over-exploitation of resources
         is endangering the quality of the environment . Here the Commission
     (   will oonduct a survey of areas where the diversion of fresh water
     I   is having detrimental effects on the natural environment .             It will
     j   submit proposals aimed at restoring the status quo , in particular
     ,   proposals allowing restrictions to be placed on the consumption of
         fresh water for industrial purposes . Special attention will be
     i   paid to the impact of ground water diversion on vulnerable
         environments like heathland , woodland and dunes .
         All these measures will form the Community's contribution to the
         International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade declared
         by the United Nations for the period 1980-1990*
   29 .  The management of waste
         The Community will continue its action described in the Resolution
         of 17 May 1977 , bearing in mind the following three main objectives
         of waste management policy in all areas of activity :
         – t'fij reduce the quantity of non-recoverable waste , Bund,
             ultimately to abolish it ;
         – to recover , recycle and re–use waste for raw materials and
              energy ;
         – to manage non–recoverable waste properly and dispose of it
              in a harmless manner .
         Greater emphasis will be placed on the recovery , recycling and
         re-use of waste , and on the prevention of waste and on product
         design which facilitates recycling.
         In accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Committee on
         Waste Management ( 1 ) this action should concentrate mainly on the
         agricultural and energy uses of waste .
         Generally speaking, one of the Community^ principal tasks here
         will be the more extensive recovery of secondary raw materials from
         waste in order to save resources ; the intention here is to
         contribute to the solution of problems of supply difficulties , high
         raw materials costs and the currency problems associated therewith.
( 1 ) OJ N° L 115 , 1.05.1976 , p. 73
 ---pagebreak---      The whole problem of treating household waste ( machinery .;,
     separata collections , cost of discharge , etc .) and its close
     links with recycling will racc-sive particular attention.
     As far as waste disposal is concerned , Comraunit:/ rules or ths
     management of toxic and dangerous wastes in particular should "be
     supplemented and reinforced , "by progressively substituting re-»u«e
     for disposal of this waste .
     As to the prevention of waste , the development of new technology
     which facilitates waste recycling or which removes the production
     of waste should be encouraged. Given the importance of waste
     management for the Community 's economy , the Community must he able
     to provide proper incentives and have suitable financial instruments
     at its disposal .
  I
  |  It will in particular examine whether differences in legislation
     on chemical wastes ( or in the application of legislation ) is creating
     an extra-Community traffic in dangerous wastes with implications
  j not only for competition but also for the protection of the
  j environment.
  i
  j  In order to promote the above–mentioned objectives , the Commission
     will J
  I
  J  – publish regularly the balance sheet of available raw materials
        and available secondary raw materials ;
     -  start an incentive scheme for the recovery of secondary raw
        materials ;
   ' - start an inoentive soheme for the extended use of products .
30.  Technology and resources
     Clean technologies have different purposes but these are
     complementary ! reduced pollution , reduced arisings of waste ,
     the most rational husbanding of natural resources - energy and
     raw materials .
     Clearly , a balance must be found , case by case , between these
     three objectives , since , even though they may not be mutually
     exclusive , they cannot always be achieved at the same time . Such
     a compromise can sometimes be found by modifying the production
     technology or by altering the design of the particular product .
     A practical , sectoral approach is therefore need 3d . On 9 April
     1979 , the Commission was invited by the Council of Environment
     Ministers j
     –  to analyse and compare the policies of the various Member
        States for encouraging the development of clean technologies
        and to prepare recommendations on the most effective ways of
        supporting the authorities in that development ;
 ---pagebreak---                             wi'3 "bsct i&cliiiolo::;!'"? ds^lopsd in the
            Member States s
            to promote the exchange of knowledge on these technologies
            ■between the ^©raber States ;
        - to put forward within the framework of the Community 's
             environmental research programme , proposals for stepping up
             efforts on clean technology®
        The Commission will continue these measures in co-operation with
        the industries concerned . Moreover particular attention will "be
        paid to methods of analysing new technologies so that their costs
        and "benefits can "be objectively assessed .
        The Commission will suggest suitable measures on the "basis of the
        results obtained.       The creation of suitable financial instruments
        would make it possible to promote the development of clean
        technologies .
V       ACTION AT ÎÏÎT'EKNÂTI OÎTAL LEI'EL
  3'*   Act ! 021 within internati onal organisations and agencies , ana
        c preparation with ne/wnember countries
        The number of envi roraeni problems of world–wide dimensions today
        is continually increasing. This is due either to their very nature ,
        which may require a global solution , or to the trans–"boundary oiisr.-os
         of certain forms of pollution , or to the repercussions which some
        national measures can have on the international eoonosiy and on trade
         flows o
         The Community has therefore an obligation to continue arid intensify
         its international commitment "by playing an. active role in tae various
         organisations responsible for- the g&neral content and policy of
         international action on the eavironraetti , in order to help produce
         joint solutions and to see that due attention is paid to the
         Community measures in       respect of the environment#
         The CoKEOunity will continue to speak in these bodies with a. single
         voice , xusing i© advent? g€- the influence it has acquired in other
         areas of international co-operation.
      ;  More sne^ifloally , it will use this influence to ensure that plana
      :  drawn wc at the internati on al level – such as those of the United
                   Envir onment Prograsoie and the World Conservation Strategy' of
      !  the TJC2I ~ pre actually implemented and that the Community plays its
      !  part in Thi."' process# In particular the Commission will initiate
      |  meetings? ox c,-perte from the Member States to go through the WGS
      i  so as to identify areas , e.g. the proJ. ection of the tropical raj.n~
      i  forest , Antarctica ) endangered species etc . , where further
 ---pagebreak---                               - 25-
 international action "by the Community is possible and desirable .
In addition it will promote the development of international
 legislation on the environment . As fax as the Law of the Sea
 is concerned , the Commission will oontinue to press for
environmental considerations to "be taken fully into aocount .
The Commission will examine the legislation already introduced
"by several Member States regarding deep-seabed mining and will
 if necessary make proposals for a Community deep-seabed mining
regime which gives proper weight to environmental considerations
and to the need to safeguard the marine wilderness .
As regards relations in respect of the environment with non-
member countries , the Commission will continue and develop the
bilateral co-operation which it haB begun with several countries ,
intensifying the exchange of information and experience in areas
of common interest ;    it will take pains to ensure , in particular ,
that the application of environmental legislation in those
countries does not create any noi>-tariff barriers to trade , or
through the granting of aid , give rise to any distortion of
competition.
Furthermore , for geopolitical , economic and oultural reasons ,
the Community is directly affected by pollution and development
problems in the Mediterranean region. It is imperative ,
therefore , that it should make a more effective and specific
contribution to the sound management of resources in that region
and , to solving such problems by introducing any steps which it
feels are appropriate under the Action Plan for the Mediterranean
to which it is a signatory. It will also take steps to improve
co-ordination on approaching the problems concerning the North
Sea.
The Community will also ensure that practical use is made of the
 opportunities for action concerning the environment whioh spring
 from the co-operation agreements with Mediterranean countries and
 from the Euro-Arab Dialogue .
Co-operation with the developing countries on environmental matters
The seoond energy orisis as well aB the deteriorating situation of
the poorest countries have re-focussed international attention on
relations between industrialised and developing countries® This
was a prominent topic at the Ottawa summit and will be the main
 focus at a series of major international conferences on development
Ottowa summit , Nairobi conference on new energy sources , Paris
meeting on the least developed countries , Cancun summit on the
Northp-South dialogue .
At the same time , it has become olear that environmental
protection is not the preserve of industrialised countries but an
essential congionent of development . Awareness of the close link
between development and protection of the environment is growing :
highlighted by the Interfutures Report and th« work of UN agencies ,
 ---pagebreak---                                        -2β~
         it has 130011 restated in the recent report of the Independent
         Commission on International Development , among others .
        Moreover , more and more governments and lending institutions
         are gradually integrating the environmental dimension with their
         aid programmes .
         The Community , which has already taken account of the environment/
        development relationship in its . present environment aotlon
        programme and also in the second Lome Convention and in the
         agreements with the Mediterranean countries , should henceforth
        reg'itrd environmental protection as an integral part of its aid to
         development policy.    Moreover , "by signing on 1 February 1980 ,
        together with ei$it multilateral development institutions , the
        declaration of environmental policies and procedures relating
         to economic development , the Community recognised the importance
         of environmental protection to the success of development policies
         and undertook to make it an objective of the co-operation
        programmes and projects carried out tinder itB co-operation
        agTeemants with developing countries . For its part , the European
        Parliament has adopted a resolution concerning compliance by the
         Community with the aims of the World Conservation Strategy by
         giving effect to them within all its policies ( 1 ).
        The seriousness of the environmental position in developing
         countries stems from the pressure of population , often increasing ,
         cn the surroundings in the poorest countries as well as from unwise
        use of resources .    In addition the creation of modern industries
         or agricultural developments can result in new threats to the
         environment resembling those found in industrialised countries .
         To contribute to resolving these problems , the Community , m
         co-operating with developing countries should promote conditions
         for lasting economic development which respects the inter­
        dependence of development , environment , population and resources .
         The Community will have regard to environmental problems both in
        drawing up its development policies and in implementing the Lome
        Convention and other co-operation agreements . Under the
        provisions of these agreements , the Community will help these
         countries to tackle the environmental problems with which they are
         faced and to roctify existing damage , as well as to manage
         efficiently the resources they possess . It will be specially
        recaptive to requests for technical assistance in training
        environmental specialists .
        The priority aims will be conservation of tropical forests ,
        desertification , water management , introduction of agricultural
         system and forme of energy-use which are compatible with the
        environment . In order to identify as accurately as possible these
        problems in tho areas particularly affected , thereby helping to
        realise the objectives of the World Conservation Strategy , the
         Coamission will actively support the development of national
         conservation strategies in the developing countries . It will p.?y
         constant attention to this aspect in its activities under the
( 1 ) Resolution of 20 May 1980 , OJ N° C 47 of 16.06.1980 , p. 27
 ---pagebreak---                              -27-
Convention of Lome and provide appropriate financial and
technioal support to this end . Particular attention will "be
 given to education and information activities BO that the
developing countries will "beoome able to undertake these tasks
"by themselves in future#
The Community will continue its action to encourage environmental
protection within international organisations and negotiations
concerning development .