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"However, the EEB objects to the introduction of the idea of a "qualified entity". This term is not found in the Aarhus Convention and could be used as disguised barrier to citizen’s exercise of the rights to access to justice which the Convention was intended to provide. The proposal defines a "qualified entity" as "any association, organisation or group, which has the objective to protect the environment" and meets a set of criteria set out in the both proposed Directive and Regulation. Among the criteria are formal legal existence for a minimum number of years. These criteria could operate to exclude new groups or ad hoc coalitions which form to respond to a particular problem or groups with a non-environmental purpose, such as neighbourhood organisations."
Full text at:
http://www.eeb.org/press/press_release_Aarhus_package_28_10_03.htm
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"We were shocked to see a definition of sustainable development which is only based on social and economic considerations, and doesn't even mention the environment," the 'Green-8' said. "We hope that this was an unintentional mistake which will be corrected immediately."
"For a majority of EU citizens, the EU's political initiatives in the field of environment are one of the best reasons to support European integration. A European Constitution that ignores the importance of environmental protection will not find public support, and we believe it would not deserve it," warned the 8 organisations."
Full text:
http://www.gruene-partei.de/rsvgn/rs_dok/0,,21110,00.htm
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Also,
Section 5, CHAPTER III, PART III (titled "Environment") seems to make no direct mention at all to the Aarhus Convention. Please see:
http://europa.eu.int/futurum/constitution/part3/title3/chapter3/section5/index_en.htm
And, in addition:
Section 3, CHAPTER V, PART III (titled "Culture") seems to make no direct reference at all to the protection of heritage sites such as (for example) those which are at present under VERY serious threat because of planned road projects in the Tara (County Meath) and Turoe (County Galway) areas. The archaeological landscape in the Turoe area is also under severe threat at the present time from a planned "Superdump for Connacht" project which, given the chance, could become the "Mother of all Superdumps". Please see:
http://europa.eu.int/futurum/constitution/part3/title3/chapter5/section3/index_en.htm
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