Environment policies of the European Union
The EU has some of the world's highest environmental standards, developed over decades. Its main priorities are: protecting endangered species and habitats and using natural resources more efficiently - goals that also help the economy by fostering innovation and enterprise.
The objective of the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Environment is to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations. The objective of DG Environment is to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations. To achieve this it proposes policies that ensure a high level of environmental protection in the European Union and that preserve the quality of life of EU citizens.
The DG makes sure that Member States correctly apply EU environmental law. In doing so it investigates complaints made by citizens and non-governmental organisations and can take legal action if it is deems that EU law has been infringed. In certain cases DG Environment represents the European Union in environmental matters at international meetings such as the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.
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FACT SHEETS
General Policies
- The Sixth Environment Action Programme
- European Climate Change Programme
- EU Climate change and energy package
- Reducing CO2 Emissions from light-duty vehicles
Nature and Biodiversity