Hacia el desarrollo sostenible. Evolución y tendencias de la política europea de medio ambiente

Abstract

In this article the evolution of the European environmental policy is analysed, from its origins in the seventies to its development and consolidation after the Single Act (1986) and the Maastricht Treaty (1992). Firstly, the author poses some of the most useful theoretical approaches to analyse public policies, focusing on the theory of neoinstitutionalism and the theories of governance. Secondly, the most relevant features of the EU environmental policy are analysed, particularly its regulatory dimension and the implementation of economic selective incentives, together with efforts in information and educational campaigns aimed to both the social players and population.