The NEAP process is devoted to transferring the methodology of a market-based environmental protection system provided in the document "Environmental Action Program for Central and Eastern Europe" (EAP) adopted by the Lucerne Ministerial Conference (1993). The document was translated by the REC into thirteen local languages in Central and Eastern Europe in 1994 and disseminated through seminars organized by the respective Ministries of Environment, supported by the REC. The experience gained during these seminars was used to prepare the structure of this report and to select the project partners.
The report provides information on the relationship between the original EAP approach and other approaches in the respective CEE countries in developing environmental policies.
An assessment of progress made in absorbing EAP principles into each country's own environmental protection programs was provided, together with the record of problems and obstacles. This should allow an assessment of future achievements in environmental protection based on EAP principles. The report was prepared at the request of the General Assembly of the REC.
The Report consists of country reports based on the same format and prepared by policy experts recruited mainly from the Environment Ministries. The Regional Overview chapter is aimed at summarizing both achievements and deficiencies of the NEAP's development and implementation and was prepared by Eva Kruzikova and Denisa Kratochvilova of the Institute for Environmental Policy (IEP) with substantial contributions from the members of the REC Initiative Team. Draft country reports and the Regional Overview chapter were commented and discussed during the workshop held at the REC on February 10, 1995, which was attended by all contractors and staff involved from the REC. The IEP was a primary partner in developing this Report. The following project partners were involved in preparing the country reports: Vladislav Bizek, Andras Csanady, Arvydas Dragunas, Gabriela Fisherova, Simion Hancu, Dhimiter Haxhimihali, Speranta Ianculescu, Jozef Klinda, Mihai Lesnic, Margita Mastrovic, Elzbieta Matuszewska, Kliment Mindjov, Jiri Plaminek, Istvan Pomazi, Lirim Selfo, Joanna Spyrka, Ilona Tesnova, Mihail Tokarev and Vida Ogorelec Wagner. In addition, proof-reading was done by Philippe Le Billon, English language proof-reading was done by Emil Dzuray and Colin Woodard, copy editing was done by Desmond McGrath, desktop publishing and publication layout was performed by Sylvia Magyar, final proof-reading of country reports was done by Laszlo Karas, and project coordination support and production was done by Melita Rogelj. The whole project was coordinated by Laszlo Karas, Manager of the REC Initiatives.
I would like to thank them for their efforts and dedication.
Stanislaw Sitnicki
Executive Director