European Natura 2000 Day is celebrated every year on 21 May. It marks the inception, 33 years ago, of a revolutionary approach to nature conservation in the EU – a large network of protected nature that maintains opportunities for economic and recreational development.
Environmental Protection
Environmental protection is the cornerstone of EU policy efforts to safeguard ecosystems, human health, and natural resources. It encompasses legal, regulatory, and practical measures aimed at preventing environmental degradation and ensuring sustainable living conditions. The EU’s environmental protection strategy is closely linked to the European Green Deal, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and international environmental commitments like the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Goals:
Prevent pollution and mitigate environmental damage
Preserve biodiversity and natural habitats
Promote sustainable land, air, and water use
Ensure compliance with EU environmental legislation
Empower citizens and businesses to act sustainably
Sub Items:
Air pollution – Reducing harmful emissions from transport, industry, and agriculture
Water protection – Safeguarding rivers, lakes, and groundwater
Soil and land protection – Preventing erosion, contamination, and overuse
Waste management – Promoting recycling, reducing landfill, and addressing hazardous waste
Chemical safety – Regulating dangerous substances and endocrine disruptors
Environmental impact – Assessing and mitigating the effects of infrastructure and industrial projects
Noise pollution – Reducing urban and industrial noise for public health
Marine and coastal protection – Fighting marine litter and oil spills
Plastic waste – Curbing single-use plastics and promoting alternatives
Nature restoration – Rehabilitating ecosystems and restoring degraded land
Flood and drought prevention – Strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable areas
Monitoring and enforcement – Ensuring that Member States comply with EU directives
Key Legislation & Tools:
Environmental Liability Directive
Air Quality Directive
Water Framework Directive
Waste Framework Directive
REACH Regulation (on chemicals)
Natura 2000 – EU-wide network of protected areas
Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Tools (e.g. Copernicus, EEA reports)
Implementing Bodies:
Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
European Environment Agency (EEA)
National Environmental Agencies in Member States
Why It Matters ? :
Environmental protection helps maintain a livable planet, reduces health risks, preserves biodiversity, and ensures resources for future generations. It also creates jobs and opportunities in the green economy.
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The European Commission has adopted an Implementing Regulation that establishes a uniform format for national restoration plans under the Nature Restoration Regulation, which entered into force in August 2024.
A cornerstone of the European Union’s commitment to environmental protection and climate action, the LIFE programme offers Montenegro support to improve its environmental and climate policies and practices.
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On February 26th, the European Commission (EC) presented its Clean Industrial Deal (CID) to strengthen European industries’ competitiveness and accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy.
