Evolution of environmental impact assessment in Poland: problems and prospects

Abstract

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) in Poland has a tradition extending back to the 1980s. The main incentives for its evolution were the need to achieve harmonization with the legal requirements of the European Union as well as other international conventions. The Polish EIA concept has changed substantially since 2000. At present, it is treated as a process consisting of specific stages (screening, scoping, and so on), in which public involvement constitutes an integral part. This paper examines the evolution of the concept and legal framework for the EIA process in Poland and their potential influences on an effective EIA practice in the country.

Keywords:

• environmental impact assessment
• Poland
• EU accession