There have been many public debates recently regarding E.U treaties, as noted in the lectures, in recent times Ireland has seen controversy in this area. The Lisbon treaty from a number of years ago, and the Fiscal treaty bein put to a vote in the coming months. Environmental law from a European perspective seems to be a relatively new topic, having been only properly implemented in 1986. While it is obvious that there needs to be common law regarding the environment across the E.U there are some interesting points raised by the topic. Ireland’s turf cutting for example, which seems to have been largely ignored by government here for a number of years but has now become a topic of controversy again recently. This reminded me of an early topic discussed in sustainable development.
The link between a country’s development, i.e its economic growth and the impact that growth has on the environment was clearly demonstrated in last weeks lectures on economics. With less developed countries having a greater negative effect on their environment as they develop, until the point where that country is developed enough that it can ‘afford’ to pay greater attention to the impact the society is having on its environment. This is often highlighted using extreme cases. Such as comparing the United States with India, where the levels of human welfare and levels of environmental protection differ vastly.
However, I find myself asking the question; If there is a E.U wide policy regarding environmental law, can this hinder less developed E.U countries economic growth? It seems to me that there are cases for countries to use the processes of appeal available to them in the E.U.
Taking the original countries which signed up to te European Economic Community, two were already relatively large economies, France and Germany. There was no European environmental law applicable to many of the first members (including Ireland) until 1986. These countries therefore reaped the benefits of the E.E.C without the worry of implementing any but their own environmental laws. Countries who joined after this date however need to comply with these laws and could stifle their economic growth because of it.
In Ireland’s case it is argued that turf cutting is a tradition, and that it isn’t right for the E.U to attempt to stop us from carrying out traditions. But in this case I feel that the law is there for the right reasons to protect the environment and in that sense I feel we should comply with the law. It is not something that will affect our economic stability, growth take away a large number of jobs.
I feel that in many area’s it has been excellent for Ireland to be a member of the E.U. Our improved infrastructure is a testament to that. We need to be able to adapt to change as a country and the loss of something as out-dated as turf cutting is a small price to pay for the huge rewards we have gained as members of the E.U. I feel that European Law has proved itself to be fair and just, having often overturned decisions made in our own courts.
I think that with the current crisis the euro zone finds itself in, many laws will be passed, environmental and economic which will favour the larger countries, while stifling growth and development in the smaller countries. This is why I feel that new treaties and laws need to be heavily scrutinised by smaller member states in the future, as they can and will have an effect on economic policy and law, and as already discussed, have a knock on effect on environmental law also.
The recent controversy regarding the water and household charges are good examples of this. The Irish people have had ‘free’ water for a long period of time now. However we are now being told that we need to pay for this water to ensure it is clean and safe to drink. As most people would freely agree this is a cost saving exercise by the government, and a revenue generating one in relation tothe household charge. These two policies are driven by the financial situation in Ireland and by influences from within the E.U to drive austerity measures within our economy. I doubt that the revenue generated by these two charges is going to be invested in Environmental projects or protection in Ireland. As part of a democratic system like the E.U there will be postive and negative impacts, but it is important that we scrutinise laws and treaties properly. Often they may bein the interest of a few and not the greater good.
trevorcoffey85 