4. Critical Steps to Start or Continue Environmental Improvements
4.4. Technology and Services
ALBANIA
Most of the experts did not list technology and services as priorities, however, waste management and sewage treatment facilities were mentioned as a need.
BULGARIA
Various types of modern clean technology are needed, both for production and environmental protection. This is especially true in the energy sector. Existing boilers are old and pollution abatement equipment is lacking. New legislation now requires EIAs for new businesses (though their practical implementation needs further improvement) and a bill regarding environmental audits has been submitted to the council of Ministers. According to one expert, however, it may be some years before there is a strong demand for such services and technologies.
CROATIA
There is a danger of dirty technology being imported as laws to prevent this are not in place or incomplete. A serious problem to be solved is the reparation of the damages caused by the war, since many environmental facilities have been effected.
CZECH REPUBLIC
There is a lack of advanced technologies for environmental applications. Most abatement technologies are based on imported equipment. For the development of domestic environmental technology businesses, the Government could give more support in the form of subsidies or market incentives.
HUNGARY
There is no legal obligation to use the Best Available Technology in new enterprises, including environment related ones. Environmental services such as sewage treatment or domestic waste management are not drawing much interest in the process of privatization. Pollution treatment technologies, on the other hand, are improving. There is a wide selection of environmental consultants offering services such as EIAs but no certification process is ensuring quality or even proving basic capabilities.
FYR MACEDONIA
Modern technologies are greatly needed in many areas including air pollution abatement equipment for industrial facilities, the transition from coal to a natural gas heating system, wastewater treatment technology, modern environmental monitoring devices, and hazardous and communal waste treatment systems.
POLAND
Fundamental improvements in economic performance are critical before expensive technology can be widely acquired and environmental investments can reach a satisfactory level. Tax incentives would encourage investments in technology. Currently the cost of capital for making major technological investments is prohibitively high. EIAs are becoming more commonly used and there is capacity within the country to conduct environmental audits. Alternative energy and hazardous waste management technology would be helpful.
ROMANIA
There is a definite need for modern production and environmental technologies as currently old and obsolete technologies are relied upon. While technological needs do exist, end-of-pipe solutions should not be the focus and improvements in law, enforcement and education were viewed as higher priorities.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Environmentally sound investments are greatly needed as well as the broad use of environmentally friendly technologies and products. The main problems, however, are the lack of investment opportunities and finding money for investments. There are some private companies which offer environmentally friendly technology, but this sector remains weak.
SLOVENIA
There are many enterprises still using outdated technologies. Slovenia is desperately in need of sanation programs. Many of those existing should be closed or refitted with new technologies. Western assistance is welcomed, but there is a concern about the importation of dirty technologies. So far, Slovenia has not been very threatened by dirty industries but the fear exists. The application of new technologies should be supported through economic and market instruments. An association of environmental businesses has been created within the Chamber of Commerce to create a market for these industries and services.
REC * PUBLICATIONS * STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 1 * ANNEX
