European Environment Action Programme to 2020

The European Environment Action Programme to 2020 (The 7th Environment Action Programme) will be guiding European environment policy until 2020. The 7th EAP shall contribute to a high level of environmental protection and to an improved quality of life and well-being for citizens.Over the past decades the European Union has put in place a broad range of environmental legislation. As a result, air, water and soil pollution has significantly been reduced. Chemicals legislation has been modernised and the use of many toxic or hazardous substances has been restricted. Today, EU citizens enjoy some of the best water quality in the world and over 18% of EU’s territory has been designated as protected areas for nature. However, many challenges persist and these must be tackled together in a structured way.