"Towards a Healthy Environment" The City Towards EU Compliance Award 2000 focused on environment and health, since health is an underlying principle of EU environmental policy. The first principle of the Rio Declaration states: "Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature". European Union environmental policy tries to make this statement a reality. The health aspects are underlined by the 1997 Amsterdam Treaty, which states, "the activities of the Community should include a contribution to the attainment of a high level of health protection". Accession to the EU and implementation of EU environmental legislation will result in a healthier environment for citizens. 118 applications were received and the recognition certificates were presented to the best cities in two categories: The full winners - for outstanding progress in implementation of the European Community's environmental legislation in all relevant fields: Urban air quality; Hazardous waste management; Drinking water; and Waste water. The sectoral winners - awards for progress achieved in one of these components. In addition, the finalist diplomas were handed to towns shortlisted on the finalist list. The special recognition diplomas were given to the cities who received awards (either full or sectoral) in 1999 and submitted excellent applications for the second time in 2000.

Click on the map to see the winners Download the list of winners (120 Kbyte PDF file) Award 1999 Award 2001 Grant Programme Contact us