Environmental Rights in the European Union-Participatory Democracy or Democratic Deficit?

Abstract

Abstract It might have been thought. at the signing of the original Treaty of Rome in 1957. that the new European Economic Community as it then was, would be an unpromi ing forum for the protection of environmental rights. The EEC Treaty. as originally drafted. contained no provisions. explicit or otherwise, regarding the environment. nor any reference to human rights. These factor . however, have not deterred the European Union (EUJ. as it has now become. from developing considerable competence in the field of environmental law’ strongly influenced by the European Court of Justice·s case law in this area. However, the translation of these competences into the language of rights has. notwithstanding the European Union·s claimed observance of human rights.’ been less transparent.