This report is important because it provides a backdrop to the current political thinking in Europe not least in the context of the Fitness Check currently underway for the Birds and Habitats Directives http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/fitness_check/index_en.htm

A comprehensive assessment of the European environment’s state, trends and prospects, in a global context.   http://www.eea.europa.eu/soer

The synthesis report informs future European environmental policy in general and its implementation between 2015 and 2020 in particular. It includes a reflection on the European environment in a global context, as well as chapters summarising the state of, trends in, and prospects for the environment in Europe.

• Foreword
• Executive summary
• 1. The changing context of European environmental policy
• 2. The European environment in a wider perspective
• 3. Protecting, conserving and enhancing natural capital
• 4. Resource efficiency and the low-carbon economy
• 5. Safeguarding people from environmental risks to health
• 6. Understanding the systemic challenges facing Europe
• 7. Responding to systemic challenges: from vision to transition
• References and bibliography
• Synthesis report content index