ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the way in which an integrated or holistic approach may limit the inconsistencies arising from a fragmented European Union (EU) product regulatory framework. Fragmentation of the product regulatory framework in the European Union (EU) hinders environmental protection. Based on principle of integration contained in Article 11 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), the Union put forward the need to adopt an approach encompassing the whole life cycle of a product in its Integrated Product Policy (IPP). Article 11 TFEU plays a key role in responding to the negative effects of fragmentation on environmental protection and forms the basis of a more integrated approach for the EU product regulatory framework. The chapter begins with a general introduction to the principle of integration and evolution from its first appearance in the European Treaties. It analysis how the IPP and life-cycle thinking may contribute to enhancing the coherence of the regulatory framework.
