About EPA Cooperation with Western Europe

The United States and the industrialized nations of Western Europe often face similar social, political and economic problems arising from environmental degradation. These common problems make the U.S. and its counterparts in Western Europe natural partners for working together bilaterally and in fora such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).

EPA regards the relationship with Western Europe to be of great importance in improving our scientific and technological capabilities for environmental protection. Cooperation has yielded substantial results, including cost-savings from sharing information and working together to improve environmental management. U.S. consultations with European officials also help U.S. industry avoid potential trade difficulties arising from different environmental standards and regulations. Cooperation among industrialized nations can build consensus on environmental issues and, eventually, lead to a cleaner environment for everyone.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is the focal point within the EPA for working with Western Europe. Through this Office, EPA coordinates with other Federal agencies to:

develop U.S. positions on environmental issues facing industrialized nations;
facilitate joint research with key scientific institutions in the areas of air and water pollution, waste management, environmental health effects, toxic substances and pesticides, pollution prevention, and global environmental issues;
coordinate with U.S. embassies and with Western European donor countries on environmental assistance programs for Eastern Europe, the Newly Independent States, and other parts of the world;
participate in analyzing trade and environment concerns with the European Union and its member states.

Key activities with Western Europe currently include:

coordination on global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and forests;
coordination on technical assistance to other regions of the world;
monitoring the trade implications of harmonization of standards in air, biotechnology, chemicals, pesticides, and waste areas;
and promoting joint research and scientific activities with European institutions.

Contacts

For additional information about EPA's work with Western Europe and the European Union, contact:

Anna Phillips
Office of International Affairs (2650R)
U.S. EPA
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
Email: (phillips.anna@epa.gov)

About EPA Cooperation with Western Europe

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