ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explores the examples in federal systems and it appears that the criteria of concern, capacity and contracting conditions are not sufficient for effective environmental cooperation. It shows high levels of concern and has institutions for contract enforcement or extensive experience with interstate or federal/provincial agreements. In addition, it is difficult to argue that the states or provinces studied in these cases lack the capacity to make environmental policy. Although ineffective forms of environmental cooperation employ unanimous decision-making, the evidence from the European Union suggests that a consensus decision-making rule does not necessarily lead to lax standards or ineffective measures. The Council of Ministers generally prefers to make decisions by consensus even though the formal rule for most environmental regulations now is Qualified Majority Voting (QMV).
