Further Up the Learning Curve: NGOs from Transition to Brussels

In: Environmental politics, Band 13, Heft 1, S. 194-215

Abstract

The obligation of accession countries of Central & Eastern Europe to approximate & implement European Union (EU) environmental directives has forced the environment on the agenda where it might otherwise be eclipsed by other issues. The result might be improvements over time in the media & subject areas in which the EU has spoken if small, inexperienced, & underfunded environmental ministries can manage the tremendous costs & institutional skills that these directives impose. EU accession might diminish the power of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in some respects & enhance it in others. The environmental agenda is likely to be set in Brussels, not in response to domestic "consumer-driven" demand in the foreseeable future. NGOs will have less flexibility to introduce environmental initiatives that are inconsistent with EU demands. But EU membership creates opportunities to police governments' progress implementing the directives. Creative NGOs can monitor & advocate, forcing their governments, in effect, to make good on promises & embarrass them when they do not. 28 References. Adapted from the source document.