European Environmental Law

Abstract

Prior to their adaptation by the Single European Act, the Community Treaties included no express assignment of competencies concerning environmental politics by the European Community. In setting its environmental policy the Union needs to consider certain elements which are specified as follows. The starting point for Community environmental politics and its evolution is analyzed from the juridical point of view. The paper underlines the necessity of achieving a high level of environmental protection by allowing a judicial harmonization related to the structure and functioning of the internal market.