Regulation (EC) N° 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention to Community institutions and bodies entered into force today. The "Aarhus Regulation" covers not only the institutions, but also bodies, offices or agencies established by, or on the basis of the EC Treaty. All those will have until 28 June 2007 to adapt their internal procedures and practice to the provisions of the Regulation.
Regarding access to environmental information, the Aarhus Regulation extends Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents to all Community institutions and bodies. The Aarhus Regulation furthermore requires those institutions and bodies to provide for public participation in the preparation, modification or review of "plans and programmes relating to the environment".
The Aarhus Regulation also enables environmental NGOs meeting certain criteria to request an internal review under environmental law of acts adopted, or omissions, by Community institutions and bodies.
For the legal text of the Regulation (EC) N° 1367/2006 , see OJ L 264, 25.9.2006, p.13.
Further information on the European Community implementation of the Convention can be found on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/aarhus/index.htm or by contacting DG Environment Unit "Communication and Governance" at: [email protected]
[Source: European Commission - DG Environment]
