This study, prepared for the European Commission's DG Environment, reviews the actual use and implementation of the precautionary principle in EU environmental legislation. The precautionary principle provides a basis for public authorities to take actions aimed at preventing or reducing...

This report presents the results of the Special Eurobarometer public opinion survey on the environment in the 28 European Union countries. This follows three previous Eurobarometer surveys on the environment: Special Eurobarometer 295 (November-December 2007), Special Eurobarometer 365...

Mercury (chemical symbol Hg) is a heavy metal occurring on earth in various forms. It can be converted from one form to another by natural processes, and, once released, actively cycles in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years before being buried in sediment. It is well known for...

The majority of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) identified until now are banned or restricted around the world owing to concerns about their harm to ecosystems and human health. However, this is not the end of the story; even long-banned POPs still linger in the environment; others are...

The majority of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) identified until now are banned or restricted around the world owing to concerns about their harm to ecosystems and human health. However, this is not the end of the story; even long-banned POPs still linger in the environment; others are...

The 7th Environment Action Programme (7th EAP), adopted in 2013 by the European Parliament and the Council, mandates the European Commission, inter alia, to develop by 2018 "a Union strategy for a non-toxic environment that is conducive to innovation and the development of sustainable...

Effective environmental policy can give a real boost to jobs and sustainable growth. This brochure illustrates how opportunities can be translated into further success. Success that makes most sense to the people of Europe - new job opportunities, and healthier lives.

"EU environmental laws make people's lives better but rules only work if they're actually applied. Environmental laws improve water & air quality, raise recycling rates & protect nature, to mention a few. And they provide huge economic benefits. But they can only be effective if implemented. It...