Abstract

DOMINGUEZ, Judith. The Functioning of the Environmental Protection System in the European Union: Principles, Institutions, Instruments. Estud. demogr. urbanos [online]. 2007, vol.22, n.3, pp.689-715. ISSN 2448-6515.  https://doi.org/10.24201/edu.v22i3.1275.

European environmental policy is one of the most complete and coherent to have been designed in recent years as regards achieving sustainable development. The set of instruments, norms, strategies and actions is designed to be effective: it has evaluation and correction mechanisms and includes fundamental rights, solidarity between regions and the diversity of European territory.

This article describes the process it has followed ever since it was established as a policy in itself and explains the principles that place it on the path towards global or at least regional environmental governance. Key factors are analyzed for achieving environmental objectives in legal systems similar to the Mexican one, which can serve as a reference for the design, implementation and evaluation of Mexican environmental policy (particularly if one reviews the critical factors reflected as weaknesses in the Mexican system). The author reviews the models of frameworks of reference and reaction to similar environmental problems, although this does not mean an automatic transfer of public policies.

Keywords : environmental policy; environmental guidelines; effectiveness; legal system; integrality; transversality.