Implementing Environmental Policies in EU - Action Plans and Programs

The main objectives of the EU environmental policy are environmental and public health protection, prudent and rational use of natural resources, and promoting international actions to solve the regional and global environmental problems. The EU policies implementation is performed by using specific tools as legislation, - notably Directives setting environmental quality standards (levels of pollution), rules for industrial procedures (emission standards, design and operational standards), products standards (concentration or emission limits for a product) - environmental protection action plans, and financial aid programs. This paper reviews some of the most important policies and actions promoted at European level in order to protect the environment and ensuring sustainable development.