Fawcett, William --- "Informal environmental networking: the EPA Network example" [2015] ELECD 374; in Faure, Michael; De Smedt, Peter; Stas, An (eds), "Environmental Enforcement Networks" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2015) 321

Book Title: Environmental Enforcement Networks

Editor(s): Faure, Michael; De Smedt, Peter; Stas, An

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781783477395

Section: Chapter 16

Section Title: Informal environmental networking: the EPA Network example

Author(s): Fawcett, William

Number of pages: 13

Abstract/Description:

There is a common understanding among the members of the European Network of the Heads of Environment Protection Agencies (EPA Network) on the strong influence of European Union (EU) environmental legislation. EU environmental legislation is transposed and implemented in Member States, and to some extent in candidate countries, European Economic Area states and Switzerland, according to prevailing national legislative frameworks. National environmental governance structures vary widely across Europe. Therefore, environmental protection agencies can have a wide range of roles and tasks depending on the national context. Effective environmental governance at all levels is crucial in maintaining and improving the European environment. This makes the opportunity to come together in a network and exchange information and experiences all the more important.