Politics and the Environment in Central Europe.

This paper asks what kind of an effect the importation of EU environmental policy will have on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. What are the costs and benefits of pursuing an entirely centralized EU environmental policy. Objections have frequently been raised about defining environmental policy through universalized international standards (see e.g. Bhagwati, 1994). The paper finds that the adoption of EU environmental regulations is likely to result in a significant diversion of financial and administrative resources away from potentially more important Central and East European policy objectives. Moreover, current levels of pollution in these countries do not warrant such exorbitant expenditures. In fact, measured in per capita terms, the emission levels of most major pollutants are comparable those in other EU countries. Finally, given the relatively weak development of civil society, NGO?s and Green parties in these countries, little will be done to define and defend an alternative environmental agenda. In this regard, the importation of EU policy is likely to dampen already weak environmental movements, divert attention from more pressing environmental problems, and divert attention and resources from the necessity of economic development. The consequences are likely to be long term and potentially unfavorable for the Central and East European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]