1. Introduction and historical overview: the establishment of environmental policy as a European policy domain
2. Patterns of regulation
3. Central institutions and actors
4. Political processes and decision-making procedures
5. Typical interest constellations and patterns of interaction
6. Making EU environmental policy in practice: three case studies
7. Implementation effectiveness of EU environmental policy
8. Strategies to improve implementation effectiveness: ‘new’ environmental policy instruments as a panacea?
9. The implementation of EU environmental policy in the UK, France, Germany and Spain
10. Taking stock: the environmental problem-solving capacity of the EU
11. Conclusions

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the development, making and implementation of European Union environmental politics and identifies the central areas and instruments of EU environmental policy. It analyses the factors influencing not only the formulation but also the implementation of environmental measures in the complex multi-level setting of the EU. On this basis, it takes a critical look at the EU’s effectiveness and problem-solving capacity in the environmental field.

Designed as a textbook at undergraduate and graduate level, the book employs a clear and insightful analytical perspective based on the theoretical state-of-the-art of EU policy studies. Thus, it provides an overview of the major theoretical approaches available in the field. At the same time, the discussion is illustrated by a broad range of empirical findings with regard to the formulation and implementation of EU environmental policy.

This study is an ideal companion for anyone seeking a concise and accessible introduction into EU environmental politics.