EU Environmental Summit To Be Held In Edinburgh
Issued on 7 January 1998 - Ref 1/98

The UK's three environmental regulation agencies are spearheading better implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation across Europe by hosting a key EU summit meeting in Edinburgh on 29/30 January.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Environment Agency (England & Wales) and the Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland) are hosting a meeting of environment regulation chiefs from throughout the EU, who will take decisions on combating environmental crime, setting European inspection criteria, and how to assist environmental agencies in Central and Eastern Europe deal with the legacy of the Soviet era.

The meeting of the EU Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) is being supported by The Scottish Office and held at their offices in Edinburgh on 29 and 30 January. IMPEL conducts its business through bi-annual plenary sessions and this latest meeting is being staged as part of the UK Presidency of the EU (January - June 98).

SEPA Chief Executive Alasdair Paton welcomed the IMPEL visit to Edinburgh: "Pollution recognises no borders, so it is vital that we co-operate with other countries. The IMPEL network is crucial in ensuring a consistent and effective approach to environmental law across Europe. But just as importantly, the co-operative partnership approach embodied by IMPEL is central to the development of a better environment for us all in the future."

Environment Agency Chief Executive Ed Gallagher said: "The existence and continuing development of the network demonstrates the enthusiasm of the UK authorities to work at the centre of Europe towards environmental improvements. We are delighted to be hosting this important meeting."

ENDS

NOTES

IMPEL draws its members from environmental inspection bodies in all EU states. It aims to improve the implementation of environmental legislation by sharing information on best practice, co-operating on trans-boundary issues such as the shipment of hazardous waste, and considering a range of implementation issues.

The UK was one of the motivating forces behind the establishment of the Network during its last Presidency of the EU in 1992, and remains a key player in the organisation with lead responsibility for several areas of work. It also provides 50% of the Brussels-based Secretariat and has led IMPEL's work on the minimum European inspection criteria which may be considered by the Council of Ministers in 1998.

The 1998 work programme includes projects on the inter-relationship between different environmental instruments, integrated permitting, general enforcement issues, training and exchanges, inspection criteria, assisting SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises) advising and sharing experience with inspectors from Central and Eastern European countries, and co-operating on trans-frontier shipments of waste.

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