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Portrait of Julian Nowag. Photo.

Julian Nowag

Senior lecturer

Portrait of Julian Nowag. Photo.

Article 11 TFEU and Environmental Rights

Author

  • Julian Nowag

Editor

  • Sanja Bogojević
  • Rosemary Rayfuse

Summary, in English

This paper explores whether Article 11 TFEU, requiring that ‘[e]nvironmental protection requirements must be integrated into the definition and implementation of the Union’s policies and activities, in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development’ provides an environmental right within the EU’s constitutional setting. After setting out relevant features of rights and environmental rights in particular, the chapter applies these to Article 11 TFEU. The paper shows that the steady strengthening of Article 11 TFEU in its constitutional setting and the possibility of annulment of measures that do not comply with the Article 11 TFEU supports the view that it establishes an environmental right. Yet, the paper highlights two serious caveats that raise doubts with regard to such a classification: the issue of standing and the weak standard of review in Article 11 TFEU cases. The paper argues that Article 11 TFEU, while close to conferring a right, falls short of conferring a self-standing right. Article 11 TFEU is dependent on the enabling function of other existing rights. Nonetheless, the paper shows that the Article can have an important function in providing the basis for derived environmental rights for individuals and environmental NGOs, and can act as a justification for government action to protect the environment within the context of EU law.

Department/s

  • EU Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Department of Law

Publishing year

2018

Language

English

Pages

155-155

Publication/Series

Environmental Rights in Europe and Beyond

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Hart Publishing Ltd

Topic

  • Law

Keywords

  • Environmental rights
  • Environmental integration
  • Environmental protection
  • EU law
  • Obligations
  • EU-rätt

Status

Published

Research group

  • EU Law
  • Environmental Law

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 9781509911097