Study to assess the benefits delivered through the enforcement of EU environmental legislation : final report

This study aims at understanding the effects of the enforcement action pursued by the European Com-mission on the implementation of EU Environmental law in the Member States. To that end, it provides an assessment of impacts of the enforcement policy of the Commission, in qualitative and, as far as possible, quantitative terms. The assessment is made through a case-by-case analysis of a selection of 244 infringement cases brought by DG Environment between 1994 and 2014 against the EU-15 oldest Member States. These cases relate to non-compliance with ten directives in five environmental sectors: nature protection, waste, water, air and environmental impact assessment. Enforcement action by the Commission brings benefits in terms of reduced loss from infringement in the cases at hand. Beyond that, benefits to citizens, duty-holders, and the society as a whole can also be observed. The enforcement action plays a key role in the protection of the rule of law, through ensuring correct transposition and application of the EU law. More broadly, it has a systemic impact on Member States implementation of EU environmental law. Finally, benefits are observed in terms of better gov-ernance, with improved visibility and better inclusion of citizens of the protection of their environment.