In each case, we introduce the background of the issue, the possible or actual problems and effects of the pollution or project, the strategies employed by the NGOs and citizens as well as by the authorities or businesses, and the outcome of their efforts. The stakeholders who have or had some kind of interest in one way or another in the case are also identified, giving an insight into the complexity of the different, sometimes contradictory, positions. The cases show numerous possibilities, instruments and solutions, although each case represents only one of many possible options. At the end of each case, a summary is provided of the lessons that can be learned from the example and what other solutions might have been followed. Faithful to the CEE situation, some of the cases have successful outcomes,while others end less successfully. The cases also remind us of the lack of legally binding regulations and the low level of implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation. They also show the effectiveness of NGOs and their capacity for activism and cooperation with other NGOs, state authorities of different levels and businesses.
The cases were chosen from several examples provided by project partners from all 13 CEE countries based on a framework agreed to and discussed in a REC Public Participation Working Group meeting in April 1996. Country experts provided detailed information on the selected cases. REC Public Participation staff member Hajnalka Benyhe wrote the cases with the assistance of Magda Toth Nagy, Lee Davis. REC interns Olivia Ahn and Eric Jones assisted in compiling additional information.