Commission adopts progress report on the fifth Community Environment Programme
The Commission has approved a progress report on the implementation of the European Community programme of policy and action in relation to the environment and sustainable development. This programme, also known as the fifth Environment Action Programme, covers the period 1992-2000 and forms the basis of the environment policy of the Union. The report identifies progress made under the programme, as well as the areas where the process of moving towards sustainability should be given greater impetus. Progress is examined in relation to a number of key elements and trends linked to and within each of the five target sectors of the programme: - Agriculture; - Energy; - Manufacturing industry; - Transport; - Tourism. Progress is also examined with regard to international developments, the widening range of instruments and the development of structures for shared responsibility. The report notes that progress has been made in the integration of environmental considerations into other policy areas. Progress is most advanced in the manufacturing sector and is least apparent in agriculture and in tourism. In the field of transport, awareness of the environmental issue is increasing. Progress is notably being made on vehicle emissions, fuel quality and technology. The overall growth in the vehicle fleet, however, negates any progress made elsewhere. In the energy sector, despite the existence of potentially effective instruments to bring about change, the incentive to move to a more sustainable approach is still missing. In relation to the specific themes of the programme, progress has been made in a number of areas: - Reduction of ozone depleting substances, emissions of heavy metals and sulphur dioxide; - Improvements in approaches to nature protection, surface water quality, industry-related risks and waste. Particular attention now needs to be paid to developing improved approaches to climate change and acidification, urban issues, including air quality, noise and waste, together with a comprehensive strategy for ground water and surface water resources. The report is based on information from a wide variety of sources, and covers the period 1992 to mid-1995.