Brussels, 27/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - The Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) is the name of a new tool the Commission presented on Friday 27 May to help member states implement EU legislation in the environmental area.
The challenge is a sizeable one because the many breaches of EU environmental rules have repercussions on the environment at economic and social levels. By way of a regular review of the implementation of this legislation, the Commission believes that the EU would be able to save around €50 billion a year in health care and direct costs to the environment.
This regular examination will provide an overview of the progress achieved in the implementation of environmental policies and legislation in the field, by mapping areas of areas of excellence and problems in the implementation of reports published every two years on the situation in each of the 28 EU member states.
The aim is to highlight the real reasons for the implementation shortcomings and to get to grips with them at an earlier stage "comprehensively, systematically and collaboratively" by way of a partnership between member states and the Commission. On the basis of this assessment, the Commission would be able to support the efforts agreed by the member states, by providing them with expertise and more targeted financial assistance through existing EU funds. This new tool is the subject of a Commission communication, delivering the benefits of EU environmental policies through a regular Environmental Implementation Review.
In a press release, the European Commissioner for the Environment and Maritime Affairs, Karmenu Vella, stated "For example, if EU water legislation were to be fully implemented, the combined annual benefits to society could reach € 2.8 billion. If Natura 2000 sites were to be fully manned and managed our biodiversity trends would improve. If air quality rules were followed we could reduce respiratory illness among our population".
The EIR needs to be inclusive. Member states will therefore be encouraged to get involved with the private sector, NGOs and the different levels of governance to examine the main shortcomings. The Commission explained that it would be flexible, as well, in an effort to take into account specific national challenges.
The lack of capacity in administrative bodies in charge of applying legislation is the main reason for the implementation shortcomings, according to an investigation carried out in 2015 among the different national environmental authorities. This is followed by a lack of data and information and skills at local levels, as well as inappropriate sanctions and insufficient fines for creating a deterrent effect. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)