Explores problems surrounding the implementation of European Union (EU) environmental policy within Member States. Focuses on harmonization and flexibility within the implementation process, from both a free-trade and environmental perspective. Contrasts the British and German approaches to environmental policy and reviews the extent to which flexible implementation has produced harmonized legislative standards, threats to free trade, and improved environmental quality. Proposes that where relatively peripheral conflicts between the operation of the single market and environmental policy objectives occur, genuine environmental protection measures should automatically be impeded by free-trade technicalities.

6/9/00 JOY_D