This book provides a comprehensive introduction into the making, the development and the implementation of European Union environmental politics. The environmental policy of the European Union (EU) has made impressive progress during the last three decades. Starting off as little more than a by-product of economic integration, environmental policy developed into a central area of EU policy-making.

This book explores the driving forces behind this development. It identifies the central areas and instruments of EU environmental policy. It analyses the factors influencing not only the formulation, but also the implementation of environmental measures in the complex multi-level setting of the EU.

On this basis, it takes a critical look at the EU's effectiveness and problem-solving capacity in the environmental field. Designed as a textbook at undergraduate and graduate level, the book employs a clear and insightful analytical perspective based on the theoretical state-of-the-art of EU policy studies. Thus, it provides an overview of the major theoretical approaches available in the field.

At the same time, the discussion is illustrated by a broad range of empirical findings with regard to the formulation and implementation of EU environmental policy. This book is an ideal companion for anyone seeking a concise and accessible introduction into EU environmental politics.