European Union and Its European Commission

The European Union (EU) and its member states share many common interests with their neigh bors. The recently developed European Neighborhood Policy provides an opportunity for close, privileged relations with these neighboring countries, especially in political and economic terms. Decision-making in the EU is shared between the European Commission, the European Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament. Many environmental and safety issues in Europe could not be tackled without joint action by all EU countries. The EU has adopted over 200 environmental protection directives that are applied in all member states. These directives are designed to prevent air and water pollution and encourage waste disposal. Chemicals and their safe use have been regulated since the 1960s. Other major issues include nature conservation and the control of dangerous industrial processes. The EU wants transport, industry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, and tourism to be organized in such a way that they can be developed without destroying natural resources, leading to sustainable development. The EU has rules for human and environmental safety on the use of and exposure to chemicals, called the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals (REACH).