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2. Key achievements of the
REC in the past
The mission of the REC has been to assist Central and
Eastern Europe in solving environmental problems through cooperation among
stakeholders — governments, NGOs and businesses — by promoting public
participation and the free exchange of information. The aim was to bolster
the transition process by supporting environmental democracy, governance and
cooperation. After initial years of direct, untied support from the main
donors, the REC began working on the basis of cost recovery for its services
(while maintaining its non-profit character). In 2001 the turnover of the
REC was EUR 9 million. The organisation currently employs approximately 180
staff in 15 countries.
The achievements of the organisation can be illustrated
with specific examples:
- Throughout its existence, the REC has been an important
donor intermediary for the NGO sector in the countries of CEE and
has contributed to the development of civil society and democracy.
- The REC has assisted DG Environment by organising a dialogue
between Commissioner Wallstrom and NGOs in candidate countries.
- With the support of the Toyota Foundation, the REC has
developed an environmental education package, first in Poland and now
in other countries.
- The REC participated in the negotiation of the
Aarhus Convention, has prepared the UNECE guide for the
implementation of this convention and plays a major role in assisting
with its implementation in candidate and other CEE countries.
- The REC assisted the Commission in preparing the 6th
Environmental Action Programme by facilitating input from, and
formulating the key issues concerning candidate countries.
- The REC worked together with DG Environment in
developing and managing the Cities towards EU Compliance Award to
motivate candidate country municipalities for early implementation of
the acquis communautaire.
- During the Kosovo conflict, the Serbia and Montenegro country office
of the REC continued its operation, and a few weeks after the end of
hostilities, the REC presented the Report on the
Environmental Consequences of the Kosovo War to the June 2000
Environment Ministers Council of the EU.
- After the end of violence in the Balkans, the REC
formulated the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme
that is led by the Commission and funded by numerous donors.
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Introduction
Current
trends
Services
Institutional
development
Conclusions
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