The new Industrial Emissions Directive

The consultation provisions of the directive oblige Member States to grant an opportunity to certain authorities and members of the public to express their opinion on the environmental report and the draft plan or programme.

Public participation in decision-making is also dealt with by the UN ECE Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters (Aarhus Convention). Article 7 of the Convention contains provisions on public participation during the preparation of plans and programmes relating to the environment. Its provisions are incorporated in the SEA Directive insofar as they apply to plans and programmes falling under the scope of the directive.