A review of European Community environmental legislation since inception, highlighting the many circumstances in which the pursuit of common environmental goals has in fact led to differentiation and variation in the standards actually being applied. The reasons for and effects of these differences. The early measures — the discretion given to Member States to apply them in part or in varying ways; derogations; the absence of enforcement. The later years, beginning with the amendment of the EC Treaty to include a chapter on environmental policy. The scope of horizontal measures for divergent implementation. Legislation in specific areas and its potential for differentiation: water protection, air pollution, product-related measures, nature conservation and waste management. Conclusion that Europe "needs both differentiation and integration of environmental rules, at a high level of protection".
European Energy and Environmental Law Review