EU ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

EU environmental policies and legislation protect natural habitats, keep air and water clean, ensure proper waste disposal, improve knowledge about toxic chemicals and help businesses move toward a sustainable economy.

The following is a list of EU Environment and Climate Change related legislation documents and weblinks that are currently available on Lean Business Ireland.

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) (2007-2013)
Decision No 1639/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013)

Reflecting the objectives of the Lisbon strategy, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme CIP supports measures to strengthen competitiveness and innovation capacity in the European Union (EU) for the period 2007-2013. It particularly encourages the use of information technologies, environmental technologies and renewable energy sources.

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Conservation of Antarctic marine living resources
81/691/EEC: Council Decision of 4 September 1981 on the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources

To protect the ecological balance in the Antarctic Ocean by means of international regulations on the management and conservation of its marine resources.

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Conservation of migratory species – Bonn Convention
82/461/EEC: Council Decision of 24 June 1982 on the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals

The purpose of the Bonn Convention is to develop international cooperation with a view to the conservation of migratory species of wild animals.

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Conservation of wild birds
Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds

It seeks to conserve all wild birds in the EU by setting out rules for their protection, management and control. It covers birds, their eggs, nests and habitats.

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Contained use of genetically modified microorganisms
Directive 2009/41/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (Recast)

It lays down rules for the contained use* of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs)* in order to protect human health and the environment in the EU.

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Convention on Biological Diversity
93/626/EEC: Council Decision of 25 October 1993 concerning the conclusion of the Convention on Biological Diversity

It gives the EU’s approval to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity signed in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. The convention has 3 aims:
• conservation of biological diversity (i.e. the variety of living things found on Earth);
• sustainable use of the components of biological diversity;
• fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources.

Biological diversity has major ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, leisure and aesthetic benefits.

The decision confirms EU countries’ commitment to implement the convention’s provisions.

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Convention on the Protection of the Alps
96/191/EC: Council Decision of 26 February 1996 concerning the conclusion of the Convention on the protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention)

The purpose of the Alpine Convention is to protect the Alps by applying the principles of prevention, polluter-pays and cooperation.

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Corporate social responsibility in the EU

 

—It sets priorities and measures on corporate social responsibility* (CSR) matters in order to better use companies’ potential in contributing to sustainable development and the objectives of the strategy for growth and development.

—In doing so it benefits companies, the EU economy and society as a whole.

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