EU Enlargement And Biodiversity
On the 1st of May 2004, all eyes will be on the European Union and the additional 75 million people who will be joining.
Although it is undoubtedly for the benefit of all Europeans, the environment is among the most complicated issues to be
dealt with during the process of enlargement of the European Union. The enlargement presents some long-term challenges
for the rich natural heritage of the new member states.
Accession countries are enriching the EU through the biodiversity they are bringing, as they represent a large
proportion of Europe's remaining natural wealth. The new members harbour about one fifth of the continent's forests,
have ample freshwater resources, and are rich in animal and plant diversity. However, the greatest challenge for the new
EU member states today is to retain their natural resources while offering their citizens opportunities for improving
their well-being.
IUCN - The World Conservation Union takes stock of the biodiversity assets of the new member states and highlights
opportunities and challenges for biodiversity conservation in an enlarged EU.
Read the IUCN Media Brief on EU Enlargement and Biodiversity: http://www.iucn.org/info_and_news/press/mediakiteu.pdf