ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) systems of member states of the European Union (EU), particularly those established pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC on the environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes (also the SEA Directive). As a framework law, the SEA Directive lays down a minimum procedure and requirements for SEA of certain plans and programmes that must be given effect across all EU member states. However, to date, progress with national transposition and application of the Directive has been variable. Member states have moved at different speeds in introducing SEA and bringing existing systems into operational compliance. National arrangements and activities are diverse and, in some countries, also include SEA processes that are unrelated to the requirements of Directive 2001/42/EC. In both contexts, much about the status and scope of SEA practice across the EU still remains unclear.
