Editorial note

The Sixth Community Environment Action Programme sets out the strategic direction of EC environmental law and policy over the next decade. Earlier action programmes were adopted for the periods 1973–1977 (OJ C 112 20.12.1973 p. 1), 1977–1983 (OJ C 139 13.06.1977 p. 1), 1983–1987 (OJ C 46 17.02.1983 p. 1), 1987–1992 (OJ C 70 18.03.1987 p. 3) and 1993–2000 (OJ C 138 17.05.1993 p. 1). The Sixth Community Environment Action Programme was adopted in July 2002 and covers a period of ten years (Article 1(3)). The Programme addresses the key environmental priorities and objectives of the Community (Article 1(1)). It integrates environmental concerns in all Community policies and contributes to sustainable development (Article 1(1)). The Programme sets out key environmental objectives to be attained and, where appropriate, targets and timetables are also established (Article 1(2)). It identifies four key environmental priorities: climate change; nature and biodiversity; environment and health and quality of life; natural resources and waste (Article 1(4)). The Programme aims to ensure a high level of protection, taking into account the principle of subsidiarity and the diversity of situations in the various regions of the Community. It is based, inter alia, on the polluter-pays principle, the precautionary principle and preventive action, and the principle of rectification of pollution at source (Article 2(1)).

The Programme is to ensure that the most effective and appropriate means be used to achieve its aims, in particular in the four key environmental priorities identified above (Article 2(3)).