Strategies of the 'green' member states in EU environmental policy-making

Abstract

This article investigates the strategies of the 'leaders' in EU environmental policy-making. A typology of strategies of influencing EU environmental policy is introduced, distinguishing between different kinds of 'pushers' and 'forerunners'. With the help of this typology, the positions and strategies of the 'green' member states after the accession of Sweden, Finland and Austria are analysed. It is concluded, among other things, that differences in strategies of articulating environmentally progressive positions in the EU may seriously thwart effective alliance-building between the 'leaders'. Denmark is identified as the most activist 'green' member state. In Sweden and Austria, pragmatism now prevails. The Netherlands and Finland have the most constructive approach. Germany has largely abandoned its activism of the 1980s in favour of more defensive tendencies. Because of its political and economic impact, the role of Germany is crucial among the 'green' member states.