7th Environment Action Programme to 2020 Living well, within the limits of our planet Evaluation - COM (2019) 233 15 May 2019

What is the 7th EAP? Joint EU strategy for action in the environment area from 2014-2020 Long-term vision to 2050 on how to live well, within the limits of the planet Nine priority objectives, 36 sub-objectives and 60 concrete actions to be delivered by 2020 Joint responsibility to deliver on the goals, by the EU and its Member States, businesses, employers’ and workers’ groups, and individuals

7th EAP goals Three key priorities: Protect, conserve and enhance our natural capital Turn the EU into a resource-efficient, green and competitive low-carbon economy Protect citizens from environmental pressures Four enabling factors: improve implementation, information, investments and integration Two horizontal priorities: tackle international challenges at urban and international level

Long-term vision to 2050 “In 2050, we live well, within the planet's ecological limits. Our prosperity and healthy environment stem from an innovative, circular economy where nothing is wasted and where natural resources are managed sustainably, and biodiversity is protected, valued and restored in ways that enhance our society's resilience. Our low-carbon growth has long been decoupled from resource use, setting the pace for a safe and sustainable global society.”

Environment Action Programmes Have guided the development of EU environment policy since the 1970s Each programme has been assessed to see if the objectives have been met Each evaluation has informed the shaping of the successor programme E.g. the evaluation of the 6th EAP highlighted four main obstacles for achieving our environmental goals: lack of implementation, information, investments and integration. The 7th EAP’s enabling framework was built around these factors.

7th EAP Evaluation approach To the extent possible, the evaluation considers progress made on the ground in the form of cleaner air and water, better waste management, less exposure to toxic chemicals etc. However, main aim was to examine the added value in having a strategic framework and commonly agreed priorities to guide EU environmental policy-making.

7th EAP Evaluation approach – building blocks A stakeholder consultation (an online public consultation, public workshops and targeted consultation); The Commission’s Environmental Implementation Review (EIR); Annual environmental indicator reports by the European Environment Agency (2016-2018); An external support study European Parliament and Committee of the Regions reports

Evaluation key findings (1) Having a long-term vision has been useful, as a complement to more short-term policy goals and as general guidance for all stakeholders Enabling framework put valuable attention and resources on the main challenges we face in EU environmental policy-making Focus has been on the right priority areas, but more work needs to be done to embrace new challenges and opportunities, e.g. linked to digitalisation and social inclusion

Evaluation key findings (2) 7th EAP has been a crucial governance tool, with strong links to national environment strategies This has led to more coherent and effective policy-making

Evaluation key findings (3) 7th EAP facilitated important shifts in policymaking: Today widely recognised that climate and environmental protection is a driver for green growth, a healthy planet, and improved wellbeing for individuals Move towards a wider sustainability perspective through an increased focus on integrating environmental concerns into other policy areas – e.g. Circular Economy agenda

Evaluation key findings (4) Consensus around the 7th EAP has enabled the EU to speak with one voice in the global context Particularly in the context of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement to combat climate change Overall, 7th EAP had added value: important co-ordination tool as responsibilities are spread across the EU, national and local levels.

To deliver more results, the 7th EAP could have benefitted from: More resources to fully implement the objectives of the 7th EAP Stricter prioritisation of objectives and actions A dedicated monitoring mechanism Improved integration of environmental concerns into other policy areas

What next? (1) Major challenges remain and new ones are emerging Global ecological crisis: we are overusing and depleting our natural capital. The world is not on track on climate action and meeting the 1.5 degree goal Sustainability deficit threatens our ability to meet the needs of future generations within the limits of our planet We need to address challenges in critical areas, such as air quality, biodiversity, mobility and food

What next? (2) Halting negative trends requires continued effort to implement existing legislation The Environmental Implementation Review lays the ground for better implementation, through improved analysis, dialogue and collaboration with MS Green Week 2019 looks at how EU laws can be enforced on the ground and make a direct impact on citizens’ lives

What next? (3) Work will continue, guided by the 7th EAP until its expiry on 31.12.2020 The findings from the 7th EAP Evaluation will inform future decisions about a successor environment action programme, in line with Article 192 (3) of the TFEU The decision on the shape and content of the next EAP will be taken by the next Commission College