Health and Environment

Protecting, preserving and improving the world around us

The EU has some of the highest environment standards in the world, developed over decades to address a wide range of issues ⁽¹⁾.  Today the main priorities are:

• combating climate change,
• preserving biodiversity,
• reducing health problems from pollution and
• using natural resources more responsibly.

While aimed at protecting the environment, these goals can contribute to economic growth by fostering innovation and enterprise.

Environmental health

Noise, swimming water, rare species and emergency response –these are just some of the areas covered under the extensive body of environmental legislation that the EU has established over the decades. Under the laws, which are mainly aimed at establishing health-based standards for pollutants, EU countries are required to monitor many different pollutants and to take action if levels exceed safe limits.



Clean water reflects a sound environment
(Source: Gateway to the EU)













Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants through water, food or air, are important determinants of health ⁽²⁾. For example, it has been estimated that up to one sixth of all child fatalities and disease can be attributed to environmental factors. Individuals can make certain choices that affect their lifestyle and health on their own, but they also rely on public authorities for protection from health threats.

The European Union is currently implementing the EU Environment & Health Action Plan 2004-2010 (EEHAP)  to respond to this challenge. It aims to provide national governments with the scientifically sound information needed to reduce the adverse health impacts of certain environmental factors.

The EU’s ultimate goal is to fill the knowledge gap by strengthening research and addressing the emerging issues on environment and health, and to make available relevant information to the public.

Progress made by the countries of the Western Balkan in the field of environment and health protection in preparing for EU membership

Since 2002, the European Commission has reported regularly on progress made by the countries of the Western Balkan in preparing for EU membership. Reports analyze the situation in each country in terms of the political and economic criteria for membership as well as country's capacity to assume the obligations deriving from the acquis. The legislation analysis comprises 33 chapters, among others chapter 27 (Environment) and chapter 28 (Consumer and Health Protection).

In October 2009 the Commission adopted annual strategy document explaining its policy on EU enlargement. The document includes also a summary of the progress made over the last twelve months by each candidate and potential candidate.

(1) Gateway to the European Union  - Environment
(2) The Public Health Portal of the European Union