Algemene vergadering over milieu-wetgeving EU in Vilnius (en)

On 10-11 December, the EU Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) General Assembly, organized by the Environmental Protection Agency and IMPEL Secretariat, is taking place in Vilnius. During the Assembly, the progress of the implementation of Environmental Law is being reviewed and discussions about the Network’s development and implementation of new proposals are taking place.

At the meeting, Hans Lopatta, a representative of the European Commission, presented the EC's priorities for 2014 and the following years in the field of Environmental Law, and John Seager, Chair of the Board of IMPEL, - an analysis of the Network's activities in 2013. Traditionally, an assessment of IMPEL's activities and outlooks has been presented today. Group discussions on IMPEL development and strategy will take place, the 2014 IMPEL budget will be addressed, the progress of projects implemented in 2013 will be presented, and proposals for new projects will be analysed.

IMPEL is an association of Member States, candidate countries, and environmental institutions of countries which support the EU's environmental policy. The Network's main goal is to promote efficient application of EU Environmental Law. The first IMPEL meeting with representatives from all EU countries and the EC, which is also a member of the Network, took place in November 1992 in Chester, Great Britain.

The experience of IMPEL members ensures full readiness to work in the technical and regulatory fields of EU Environmental Law. IMPEL helps exchanging information and experience and promoting a more consistent implementation, application, and enforcement of Environmental Law, especially that of the EU. IMPEL provides an opportunity for legislators, environmental inspectors, and law and order officers to exchange ideas and promotes the development of environmental protection, law and order, and best practices.