Following is a list of the main environmental measures which have been adopted by the European Community. Information on those that are applicable in the United Kingdom can be found in "EEC Environmental Policy and Britain" by Nigel Haigh (ENDS 1984). As one of its contributions to European Year of the Environment, my Department has commissioned Mr. Haigh to bring his handbook up to date.
| Environmental Measures adopted by the Council of Ministers (Directives are the most commonly employed legal instruments for environmental purposes. Those listed below are Directives unless otherwise stated.) General |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 75/65/EEC |
Commission Recommendation concerning the protection of the architectural and natural heritage. |
20 December 1974 |
L21/22 28 January 1975 |
| 76/161/EEC |
Decision establishing a common procedure for the setting up and constant updating of an inventory of sources of information on the environment in the Community. |
8 December 1975 |
L31/8 5 February 1976 |
| 77/312/EEC |
Biological screening of the population for lead. |
29 March 1977 |
L105/10 28 April 1977 |
| 1872/84 |
Action by the Community relating to the Environment. |
28 June 1984 |
L176/1 3 July 1984 |
| 85/337/EEC |
Directive on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. |
27 June 1985 |
L175/40 5 July 1985 |
| 85/338/EEC |
Information on the state of the environment and natural resources in the Community. |
27 June 1985 |
L176/14 6 July 1985 |
| Water |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 73/404/EEC |
Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to Detergents |
22 November 1973 |
L347/51 17 December 1973 |
| 82/242/EEC |
Amendment |
31 March 1982 |
L109/1 22 April 1982 |
| 73/405/EEC |
Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to methods of testing the biodegradebility of anionic surfactants |
22 November 1973 |
L347/53 12 December 1973 |
| 82/243/EEC |
Amendment |
31 March 1982 |
L109/18 22 April 1982 |
| 75/440/EEC |
Quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States |
16 June 1975 |
L109/18 25 July 1975 |
| 76/160/EEC |
Quality of bathing water |
8 December 1975 |
L31/1 5 February 1976 |
| 76/464/EEC |
Pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community |
4 May 1976 |
L129/23 18 May 1976 |
| 77/795/EEC |
Decision establishing a common procedure for the exchange of information on the quality of surface freshwater |
12 December 1977 |
L334/29 24 December 1977 |
| 81/856/EEC |
Adaptation |
19 October 1981 |
L319 7 November 1981 |
| 84/422/EEC |
Commission amendment |
24 July 1984 |
L237 5 September 1984 |
| 78/659/EEC |
Quality of freshwaters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life |
18 July 1978 |
L222/1 14 August 1973 |
| 79/869/EEC |
Methods of measurements and frequencies of sampling and analysis of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States |
9 October 1979 |
L271/44 29 October 1979 |
| 81/855/EEC |
Adaptation |
19 October 1981 |
L319 7 November 1981 |
| 79/923/EEC |
Quality required of shellfish waters |
30 September 1979 |
L281/47 10 November 1979 |
| 80/68/EEC |
Protection of groundwater against pollution caused by dangerous substances |
17 December 1979 |
L20/43 26 January 1980 |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 80/778/EEC |
Quality of water intended for human consumption |
15 July 1980 |
L229/11 30 August 1980 |
| 81/858/EEC |
Adaptation |
19 October 1981 |
L319 7 November 1982 |
| 82/176/EEC |
Limit values and quality objectives for mercury discharges by the chlor-alkali electrolysis industry |
22 March 1982 |
L81/29 27 March 1982 |
| — |
Resolution concerning the combating of water pollution |
7 February 1983 |
C46/17 17 February 1983 |
| 83/513/EEC |
Limit values and quality objectives for cadmium discharges |
26 September 1983 |
L291/1 24 October 1983 |
| 84/156/EEC |
Limit values and quality objectives for mercury discharges by sectors other than the chlor-alkali electrolysis industry |
1 March 1984 |
L74/49 17 March 1984 |
| 84/491/EEC |
Limit values and quality objectives for discharges of HCH, and in particular lindane |
28 June 1984 |
L274 17 October 1984 |
| 86/280/EEC 75/437/EEC |
Limit values and quality objectives for discharges of certain dangerous substances included in list 1 of 76/464/EEC Decision concluding the Convention for the prevention of marine pollution from land-based sources. |
12 June 1986 3 March 1975 |
L181/16 4 July 1986 L194/5 25 July 1975 |
| 75/438/EEC |
Community participation in the Interim Commission established on the basis of resolution No. Ill of the convention for the prevention of marine polution from land-based sources. |
3 March 1975 |
L194/22 25 July 1975 |
| — |
Resolution on the Convention for the prevention of marine pollution from land based sources. |
3 March 1975 |
C168/1 25 July 1975 |
| 77/585/EEC |
Decision concluding the Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution by dumping from ships and aircraft. |
25 July 1977 |
L240/35 19 September 1977 |
| 77/586/EEC |
Decision concluding the Convention for the protection of the Rhine against pollution. |
25 July 77 |
L240/33 19 September 1977 |
| 82/460/EEC |
Decision on a supplement to Annex IV to the Convention on the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution. |
24 June 1982 |
L210/8 19 July 1982 |
| 81/973/EEC |
Decision establishing a Community information system for the control and reduction of pollution caused by hydrocarbons discharged at sea. |
3 December 1981 |
L335/52 10 December 1981 |
| 81/420/EEC |
Decision on the conclusion of the (second) Protocol concerning co-operation in combating pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by oil and other harmful substances in cases of emergency. |
19 May 1981 |
L167/4 19 June 1981 |
| 83/101/EEC |
Decision concluding the (third) Protocol for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution from land-based sources. |
28 February 1983 |
L67/1 12 March 1981 |
| 84/358/EEC |
Decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement for co-operation in dealing with pollution of the North Sea by oil and other harmful substances [Bonn Agreement]. |
28 June 1984 |
L188/7 16 July 1984 |
| 86/85/EEC |
Council Decision establishing a Community information system for the control and reduction of pollution caused by the spillage of hydrocarbons and other harmful substances at sea. |
6 March 1986 |
L77/33 22 March 1986 |
| 85/336/EEC |
Council Decision concerning a supplement in respect of cadmium to annex IV to the Convention for the protection of the Rhine against chemical pollution. |
27 June 1985 |
L175/36 5 July 1985 |
| Air |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 70/220/EEC |
Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by gases from positive ignition engines of motor vehicles. |
20 March 1970 |
L76/1 6 April 1970 |
| 74/290/EEC |
Amendment. |
28 May 1974 |
L159/61 15 June 1974 |
| 77/102/EEC |
Amendment. |
30 November 1976 |
L32./32 3 February 1977 |
| 78/665/EEC |
Amendment. |
14 July 1978 |
L223/48 14 August 1978 |
| 83/351/EEC |
Amendment. |
16 June 1983 |
LI97/207 |
| 72/306/EEC |
Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to measures to be taken against pollutant emissions from diesel engines for use in vehicles. |
2 August 1972 |
L90/1 20 August 1972 |
| 75/441/EEC |
Decision establishing a common procedure for the exchange of information between the surveillance and monitoring networks based on data relating to atmospheric pollution caused by certain compounds and suspended particulates. |
24 June 1975 |
L194/32 25 July 1975 |
| 82/459/EEC |
Decision establishing a reciprocal exchange of information and data from networks and individual stations measuring air pollution within Member States. |
24 June 1982 |
L210/1 19 July 1982 |
| 75/716/EEC |
Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels. |
24 November 1975 |
L307/22 27 November 1975 |
| 77/537/EEC |
Approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the measures to be taken against the emission of pollutants from diesel engines for use in wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors. |
28 June 1977 |
L220/38 29 August 1977 |
| 78/607/EEC |
Resolution on fluorocarbons in the environment. |
30 May 1978 |
C133/1 7 June 1978 |
| 80/372/EEC |
Decision concerning chlorofluorocarbons in the environment. |
26 March 1980 |
L90/45 3 April 1980 |
| 82/795/EEC |
Decision on the Consolidation of Precautionary measures concerning CFCs in the environment. |
15 November 1982 |
L329/29 25 November 1982 |
| 78/611/EEC |
Lead content of Petrol |
29 June 1978 |
L197/19 22 July 1978 |
| 80/779/EEC |
Air quality limit values and guide values for sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates. |
15 July 1980 |
L229/30 30 August 1980 |
| 81/857/EEC |
Adaptation. |
19 October 1981 |
L319/81 7 November 1981 |
| — |
Resolution on transboundary air pollution by sulphur dioxide and suspended particulates. |
15 July 1980 |
C222/1 30 August 1980 |
| 81/462/EEC |
Decision on the conclusion of the convention on long range transboundary air pollution. |
11 June 1981 |
L171/11 27 June 1981 |
| 82/834/EEC |
Limit values for lead in air. |
3 December 1982 |
L378/15 31 December 1982 |
| 82/605/EEC |
The protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to metallic lead and its ionic compounds at work (first individual directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC). |
28 July 1982 |
L247/12 23 August 1982 |
| 84/360/EEC |
Directive on the combating of air pollution from industrial plants. |
26 June 1984 |
L188/20 16 July 1984 |
| 85/203/EEC |
Directive on air quality standards for Nox |
7 March 1985 |
L87/1 |
| Waste |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 75/439/EEC |
Disposal of Waste Oils |
16 June 1975 |
L194/23 25 July 1975 |
| 75/442/EEC |
Waste |
15 July 1975 |
L194/39 25 July 1975 |
| 76/403/EEC |
Disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) |
6 April 1976 |
L108/41 26 April 1976 |
| 78/176/EEC |
Waste from the titanium dioxide industry. |
20 February 1978 |
L54/19 25 February 1978 |
| 83/29/EEC |
Amendment |
24 January 1983 |
L32/28 3 February 1983 |
| 78/319/EEC |
Toxic and dangerous waste. |
20 March 1978 |
L8443 31 March 1978 |
| 81/972/EEC |
Recommendation concerning the re-usc of recycled paper. |
3 December 1981 |
L355/56 10 December 1981 |
| 82/883/EEC |
Procedures for the surveillance and monitoring of environments concerned by waste from titanium dioxide industry. |
3 December 1982 |
L378/1 31 December 1982 |
| 84/631/EEC |
Supervision and control within the European Community of the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste. |
6 December 1984 |
L326/31 |
| 85/339/EEC |
Directive on containers of liquid for human consumption |
27 June 1985 |
L176/1 6 July 1985 |
| 86/278/EEC |
Protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is used in agriculture. |
12 June 1986 |
L181/6 4 July 1986 |
| 86/279/EEC |
Amendment to directive 84/631/EEC on the supervision and control within the EC of the transfrontier shipment of hazardous waste. |
12 June 1986 |
L181/13 |
| Conservation and Wildlife |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 79/405/EEC |
Conservation of wild birds |
2 April 1979 |
L103/1 25 April 1979 |
| 81/854/EEC |
Adaptation |
19 October 1981 |
L319 7 November 1981 |
|
Council Resolution on 79/409/EEC |
2 April 1979 |
L103/6 25 April 1979 |
| 348/81 |
Regulation on Common Rules for imports of whales or other cetacean products |
20 January 1981 |
L39/1 12 February 1981 |
| 81/691/EEC |
Decision on the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources |
4 September 1981 |
L252/26 5 September 1981 |
| 82/72/EEC |
Decision concerning the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats |
3 December 1981 |
L38/1 10 February 1982 |
| 3786/81 |
Regulation on provisions for the implementation of the common rules for imports of whale or other cetacean products |
22 December 1981 |
L377/42 31 December 1981 |
| 82/46 1/EEC |
Decision on the conclusion of the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animal |
24 June 1982 |
L210/10 19 July 1982 |
| 3626/82 |
Regulation on the implementation in the Community of the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora |
3 December 1982 |
L384/1 31 December 1983 |
| 3645/83 |
Amendment Regulation |
28 November 1983 |
L367/1 28 December 1983 |
| 3646/83 |
Amendment Commission Regulation |
12 December 1983 |
L367/2 28 December 1983 |
| 2285/86 |
Amendment Regulation |
21 July 1986 |
L201/1 24 July 1984 |
| 3418/83 |
Regulation laying down provisions for the uniform issue and use of the documents required for the implementation in the Community of the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora |
28 November 1983 |
L344/1 7 December 1983 |
| 83/129/EEC |
Importation into Member States of skins of certain seal pups and products therefrom |
23 March 1983 |
L91/30 9 April 1983 |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| 70/189/EEC |
Second amendment. |
6 March 1970 |
L59 14 March 1970 |
| 71/144/EEC |
Third amendment. |
22 March 1971 |
L74 29 March 1971 |
| 73/146/EEC |
Fourth amendment. |
21 May 1973 |
L167 25 June 1973 |
| 75/409/EEC |
Fifth amendment. |
24 June 1975 |
L183/22 14 July 1975 |
| 79/831/EEC |
Sixth amendment. |
18 September 1979 |
L259/10 15 October 1979 |
|
Adaptations |
|
|
| 76/907/EEC |
First adaptation. |
14 July 1976 |
L360 30 December 1976 |
| 79/370/EEC |
Second adaptation. |
30 January 1979 |
L88 7 April 1979 |
| 81/957/EEC |
Third adaptation. (Commission Directive) |
23 October 1981 |
L351/5 7 December 1981 |
| 82/232/EEC |
Fourth adaptation. (Commission Directive) |
25 March 1982 |
L106/18 21 April 1982 |
| 83/467/EEC |
Fifth adaptation. (Commission Directive) |
29 July 1983 |
L257/1 16 September 1983 |
| 76/769/EEC |
Approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. |
27 July 1976 |
L262/201 27 September 1976 |
| 79/663/EEC |
Amendments First amendment. |
24 July 1979 |
L197/37 3 August 1979 |
| 82/806/EEC |
Second amendment. |
22 November 1982 |
L339/55 1 December 1982 |
| 82/828/EEC |
Third amendment. |
3 December 1982 |
L350/34 10 December 1982 |
| 83/264/EEC |
Fourth amendment. |
16 May 1983 |
L147/9 6 June 1983 |
| 83/478/EEC |
Fifth amendment. |
19 September 1983 |
L263/33 24 September 1983 |
| 85/467/EEC |
Sixth amendment. |
1 October 1985 |
L261/86 11 October 1985 |
| 73/173/EEC |
Approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. Solvents. |
|
|
| 80/781/EEC |
First amendment. |
22 July 1980 |
L229/57 30 August 1980 |
| 82/473/EEC |
First adaptation. |
10 June 1982 |
L213/17 21 July 1982 |
| EC No. |
Subject |
Date |
EC Official Journal |
| — |
Communication of the Commission Research Programme for the EEC on the protection of the environment (Indirect Action) (second Environmental Research Programme 1976–80). |
3 April 1976 |
C78/2 3 April 1976 |
| 81/213/EEC |
Decision adopting a sectoral research and development programme in the field of environment (environmental protection and climatology) - indirect and concerted actions (1981–1985). |
3 March 1981 |
L101/1 11 April 1981 |
| 84/139/EEC |
Revised. |
1 March 1984 |
L71/13 14 March 1984 |
| 79/968/EEC |
Decision adopting a multi-annual research and development programme (1979–1982) for the EEC in the field of recycling of urban and industrial waste (secondary raw materials). |
12 November 1979 |
293/19 20 November 1979 |
| 78/384/EEC |
Decision adopting a multi-annual research and development programme (1978–1980) for the EEC in the field of paper and board recycling (indirect action). |
17 April 1978 |
L107/12 21 April 1978 |
| 80/1042/EEC |
Amendment. |
11 November 1980 |
L307/24 18 November 1980 |
| 80/27/EEC |
Decision adopting a multi-annual research programme of the EEC in the field of climatology (indirect action 1980–1984). |
18 December 1979 |
L12/24 17 January 1980 |
| Note: |
| Directives adopted during the United Kingdom Presidency on Waste Oils, Asbestos and Motor Cycle Noise have not yet appeared in the EC Official Journal. |