Description
Scope of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme 1. This Decision establishes a programme of Community action on the environment (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Programme’). It addresses the key environmental objectives and priorities based on an assessment of the state of the environment and of prevailing trends including emerging issues that require a lead from the Community. The Programme should promote the integration of environmental concerns in all Community policies and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development throughout the current and future enlarged Community. The Programme furthermore provides for continuous efforts to achieve environmental objectives and targets already established by the Community. 2. The Programme sets out the key environmental objectives to be attained. It establishes, where appropriate, targets and timetables. The objectives and targets should be fulfilled before expiry of the Programme, unless otherwise specified. 3. The Programme shall cover a period of ten years starting from 22 July 2002. Appropriate initiatives in the different policy areas with the aim of meeting the objectives shall consist of a range of measures including legislation and the strategic approaches outlined in Article 3. These initiatives should be presented progressively and at the latest by four years after the adoption of this Decision. 4. The objectives respond to the key environmental priorities to be met by the Community in the following areas: — climate change, — nature and biodiversity, — environment and health and quality of life, — natural resources and wastes.