Environment issues Central and Eastern Europe
Abstract
This paper considers the environmental challenges facing the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS as they move towards a market economy. Legislation, standards, accession to the European Union, European aid programmes and some specific environmental issues are briefly dealt with. The speed with which these countries are adopting Western European standards and approaches is variable with those countries applying to join the European Union on the fastest track. Although there are significant historic environmental liabilities to be overcome and some technical approaches need to be modified, the biggest challenge is in implementation of environmental legislation in an effective way. Incorporating Western style legislation and standards is only the beginning. The strengthening of institutions and encouraging responsive, flexible yet robust regulatory bodies at a local level is a key to increases in environmental performance. Where regulatory systems are weak, encouraging environmental management systems within industry is being promoted as a way forward.