Commission Report (2002): Latvia

Chapter 22: Environment

Progress in completing transposition of the acquis was good, including access to environmental information, waste management and chemicals. Implementation of the acquis has continued on waste management, in particular as regards packaging, packaging waste and hazardous waste, including PCBs/PCTs, waste oils, accumulators and batteries, and needs continued special attention. In line with the Action Plan, budget allocations for the environmental sector have been increased to strengthen the environment protection control system at all levels, including for inspections, pollution monitoring and management systems. Regarding water quality, implementation has started on urban waste water and microbiological parameters of drinking water. It is at an early stage, as concerns pollution-reduction programmes and on vulnerable zones. In the chemicals sector, the implementation system put in place needs further co-ordination and co-operation. Latvia has strengthened its administrative capacity, as requested by the Action Plan, notably through training provided by the State Environmental Inspectorate for inspectors of the Regional Environmental Boards, but further efforts remain to be invested regarding especially the establishment of an effective structure at regional and local level. On nature protection, the Nature Protection Board became operational, but needs further strengthening. Although further steps have been taken in integrating environmental protection requirements into all sectoral policies, continued attention is needed both at the national and the local level. Overall, the Accession Partnership priorities in the area of environment have been partially met. Implementation of the measures in the Action Plan is on track.