ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the underlying principles of European Environmental Policy. It deals with the items of environmental legislation generated by the European Community which relate directly to nature or landscape conservation. The first Environmental Action Programme was a relatively lengthy affair, being the first attempt by the European Community not only to draw together existing legislation, but also to give long-term direction to the work of the Community in protecting the environment. The Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds marks a turning point in European environmental legislation. One of the main concerns of the European Community throughout its development of an environmental policy has been that of creating networks and consistent methods of gathering and transferring information. The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Regulation takes its lead predominantly from the agricultural policy of the European Community.
