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Introduction to the 6th Environment Action Programme (6th EAP)

What is the 6th EAP?

The 6th EAP is a decision of the European Parliament and the Council adopted on 22nd July 2002. It sets out the framework for environmental policy-making in the European Union for the period 2002-2012 and outlines actions that need to be taken to achieve them.

The 6th EAP identifies four priority areas:

• Climate change
• Nature and biodiversity
• Environment and health

• Natural resources and waste .

The 6th EAP promotes full integration of environmental protection requirements into all Community policies and actions and provides the environmental component of the Community's strategy for sustainable development. The link is made between environment and European objectives for growth, competitiveness and employment.

What instruments?

The 6th EAP calls for the development of seven Thematic Strategies in the field of soil and the marine environment (in the priority area of biodiversity), air, pesticides and urban environment (in the priority area of environment, health and quality of life) and natural resources and waste recycling (in the priority area of natural resources and waste). The Thematic Strategies constitute the framework for action at EU level in each of the concerned priorities.

Furthermore, the 6th EAP establishes strategic approaches to meet the environmental goals and sets objectives and priority actions on international issues. The strategic approaches include among others: the development of Community legislation and its effective implementation and enforcement, the integration of environment protection requirements in other Community policies and the promotion of sustainable production and consumption patterns, improving collaboration with enterprises and informing individual consumers, enterprises and public purchasers about the environmental impact of processes and products.

More information on the 6th EAP

The 6th Environment Action Programme
Preparation of the 6th EAP
Preparation of the 6th EAP - more information
Thematic Strategies
Legislation
Business, industry and enterprise seminar
Monitoring and reviewing the 6th EAP
Mid-term review of the 6th EAP
Online stakeholder consultation on the mid-term review
6th EAP Global assessment
6th EAP Final assessment
Public stakeholders consultation on the final assessment of the 6th EAP
News archive
Press releases
Related documents