About

What is the Manual?

The new online Manual of European Environmental Policy is the essential guide for all who need to keep pace with EU environmental policy.

First published in 1992, the Manual was previously known as the Manual of Environmental Policy: The EU & Britain and took the form of a loose-leaf binder. It has now been restructured and refocused to give it a truly pan-European perspective.

The new online, interactive format means that the content can be updated regularly, as and when legislation is released by the EC Commission.

Who writes the Manual?

The Manual is the result of work, over more than three decades, by policy experts and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) - a leading centre for the analysis and development of environmental and related policies in Europe.

Read more about the authors

Read more about IEEP

What does the Manual cover?

The Manual provides in-depth analysis and evaluation of EU environmental legislation. It includes:

  • An introduction to European Institutions, policy process and instruments used in environmental policy making

  • An analysis and evaluation of over 500 Directives, Decisions and Regulations, including their coverage, how they were developed, and details on how the policy debate has evolved since the legislation's adoption

  • An analysis of the relationship between environmental policy and other EU policy fields

  • A summary of up and coming measures and future policy initiatives of interest and a summary of forthcoming policy measures

  • A comprehensive reference guide to environmental legislation

The following policy areas are covered in detail:

Air quality

Climate change

Environmental regulation of industry

Water and marine

Waste policy

Resource use and product policy

Chemicals and hazardous substances

Biodiversity

Noise

Read more about the content of the Manual

Read How to Use the Manual