Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the legislative and policy frameworks in Europe. An understanding of the European legislative framework is now vital as its influence on local practice increases. The Soviet States and 'Eastern Europe' began to experience a difficult period following the break up of the Soviet Union and the Communist Bloc, thereby distracting and presenting new, urgent issues for the Member States. Yugoslavia experienced horrendous civil war, thereby destroying any immediate notions of expanding member states. Finally, the Rio Summit in 1992 focused world attention on environmental issues, which faced the European Community with several dilemmas - whether to sign en-bloc any subsequent treaties, how to implement policies, and what emphasis to place on the environment against a backdrop of world recession.