Editorial note

Directive 2003/35 of 26 May 2003 aims at contributing to the implementation of the UN/ECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Århus Convention). In particular, the Directive provides for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relevant to the environment (Article 2); improves public participation and provides for provisions on access to justice within Council Directives 85/337/EEC (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Article 3) and 96/61/EC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) (Article 4).

Source: OJ L 156 25.06.2003 p. 17

Directive 2003/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 providing for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Council Directives 85/337/EEC and 96/61/EC

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 175 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty,

in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee on 15 January 2003,

Whereas:

1. Community legislation in the field of the environment aims to contribute to preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment and protecting human health.