European Union environmental policy and the process of its development

This bachelor's thesis analyzes the development of the European Union's (EU) environmental policy, its current state, and future perspectives. The EU is among the leading global actors in environmental protection, reflected in its legislation, initiatives, and programs aimed at improving the quality of life, protecting natural resources, and minimizing the negative impacts of human activities. The thesis examines key milestones and initiatives in this area, from the first action programs in the 1970s to current initiatives such as the European Green Deal. Furthermore, it focuses on current challenges, including the differing approaches of member states to implementing environmental measures and the need for effective coordination at various levels. The thesis also provides recommendations for the future development of policy, emphasizing new challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. The research question focuses on the factors influencing the different priorities of EU states in environmental policy. The aim of the thesis is to provide an overview and deeper understanding of the complexity of EU environmental policy and its significance for global environmental protection.