International Issues

The EU - setting the pace in international environment policy

European citizens enjoy some the world's highest environmental standards. However, no matter how robust internal EU environmental legislation is, it cannot shield us from the negative consequences of transboundary and global environmental degradation, nor does it sufficiently reduce the impact of EU's economic growth on natural resources worldwide. Confronting the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and biosafety, deforestation, air and water pollution, and chemicals management -- to name but a few -- requires real commitment and effective cooperation at the international level.

Environmental leadership

The EU is recognised as a leading proponent of international action on environment and is committed to promoting sustainable development worldwide. Indeed, the EC Treaty requires that Community policy on the environment promote, inter alia, measures at international level to deal with regional or worldwide environmental problems. As an active participant in the elaboration and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and other environmental negotiations and processes, notably in the United Nations framework (Commission on Sustainable Development, UNEP Governing Council), the EU's constructive position has on several occasions proved crucial to ensuring progress. For instance, the EU was widely praised for bringing about the successful conclusion of negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in particular the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, and for being a leading player at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. The EU is also actively engaged in the current UN reform debate and promotes the strengthening of UNEP.