Abstract:
For the European Union (EU) the accession of the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) means incorporating a large group of economically weak states, whose political preferences for environmental policy are relatively low. In this respect, the challenge of the Eastern enlargement is quantitatively and qualitatively different from earlier enlargements.2 The EU is confronted with a dilemma: on the one hand it cannot sacrifice its achievements in environmental protection; on the other hand it would be wise not to demand too much of the accession countries in terms of strict environmental protection in order not to place too great a burden on the developing economies. It is doubtful whether full compliance with the environmental acquis communautaire is feasible at all, or at least within the usual timespan. Imminent Eastern enlargement therefore raises the question as to whether the EU will be able to continue its traditional approach of harmonising environmental policies whenever different national policies are at odds with the aims of the internal market. A more flexible approach, allowing for some regional differentiation, may be more appropriate. (...)