scientific input and the possibility for discussion on a relevant subject of environmental law and policy for international experts. The aim is to gather together scientists, policy makers and young researches, providing them with the opportunity to exchange views and information as well as to develop new perspectives.

elni fora initiative

The aim of the elni fora initiative is to bring together, on a convivial basis and in a seminar-sized group, environmental lawyers living or working in the Brussels area, who are interested in sharing and discussing views on specific topics related to environmental law and policies.

Beside the elni conferences and fora this site also provides information about events by elni members.

• UPDATE (07.05.2010):
  ELNI-VMR-VVOR-congress 2010:
  "Talking about the environmental effects of industrial installations
  the European Directive on Industrial Emissions
  (IED/ current IPPC Directive)"
  The Environmental Law Network International (elni), the Vlaamse Vereniging voor Omgevingsrecht (VVOR) and the Vereniging voor Milieurecht (VMR) are planning to hold a congress at Ghent University on 17th September 2010. The topic will be the revision of the IPPC Directive.
  In December 2007, the Commission adopted a proposal for an Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). The proposal recasts seven existing Directives related to industrial emissions into a single legislative instrument. This recast includes in particular the IPPC Directive, which has been in place for over 10 years. One of the keys of the proposal is to strengthen the dynamic Best Available Techniques (BAT) standards.
  A lot of questions arise. Among others: which lessons can be learned from IPPC? Will the IED offer the highest level of protection for the environment and human health? Will the existing legislation be simplified? Will unnecessary administrative costs be cut?
  On the occasion of the 20th birthday of ELNI, the Dutch and Flemish Environmental Law Associations (VMR and VVOR) decided to co-organise a congress on IPPC, IED and all possible and impossible questions in this respect.
  At the end of the day, an unforgettable ELNI-birthday party will take place!
  
  CONGRESS AGENDA
  
  Martin Führ, University of Darmstadt,
  Welcome and opening speech
  

1. READING
   What about the current status of the regulatory framework?
   
   • Filip François, European Commission:
     Actual status of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
     
   • Christian Schaible, European Environmental Bureau:
     New aspects arising from the IED
     
   • Marga Robesin, Stichting Natuur en Milieu:
     Relation between the IED and the NEC-Directive
     
   • Discussion – Moderator:
     Marc Pallemaerts, University of Amsterdam
   
   
2. DOING
   What about the implementation in the Member States?
   
   • Jan van den Broek, VNO-NCW and MKB – the Netherlands:
     Practical experiences with IPPC
     
   • Yolanda Waas, DCMR Environmental Protection Agency:
     Interpretation, application and review of IPPC
     
   • Lesley James, Friends of the Earth:
     Definition of ‘Best Available Techniques’
     
   • Delphine Misonne, Facultés universitaires Saint-Louis:
     The European Safety Net
     
   • Chris Backes, University of Maastricht:
     Emission limit values versus environmental quality standards
     
   • Jerzy Jendroska, Opole University:
     Link to the Aarhus Convention
     
   • Ana Barreira, Instituto Internacional de Derecho y Medio Ambiente:
     Compliance and enforcement
     
   • Discussion – Moderator:
     Luc Lavrysen, Ghent University
   
   
3. DREAMING
   What about future developments?
   
   • Marjan Peeters, University of Maastricht:
     Alternatives to the environmental permit
     
   • Isabelle Larmuseau, Ghent University:
     Introduction of the sustainability criterion
     
   • Martin Führ, University of Darmstadt:
     IED and substance related information gathered under REACH
     
   • Filip François, European Commission:
     General reflections
     
   • Discussion – Moderator:
     Eckard Rehbinder, University of Frankfurt/Main
   
   
4. ELNI-BIRTHDAY-PARTY
   
   • Gerhard Roller, University of Bingen:
     Birthday speech ‘How it all began...’
   
   LOCATIONS
   Conference
   Filmplateau
   Paddenhoek 3
   9000 Gent
   
   Lunch & ELNI-Party
   Facultaire Raadzaal
   Voldersstraat 3
   9000 Gent
   
   CONGRESS FEES
   The participation fee includes all conference materials as
   well as break refreshments, lunch and walking dinner.
   Member fee (VVOR/VMR/ELNI):   € 60
   Standard fee (non-members):    € 125
   
   REGISTRATION
   Please submit your registration at www.omgevingsrecht.be
   
   CONGRESS FLYER
   Please download the congress flyer here (PDF/2 mb).
   

• elni forum 2009:
  "The Directive on Industrial Emissions and its implementation in national law - key issues and practical experiences"
  More information...

•  elni forum 2008:
  "Enforcement of individual producer responsibility through (smart) Labelling of electric and electronic products?"
  More information...

• elni forum 2006:
  "Nanotechnology – A stepwise approach to a regulative framework"
  More information...
  

• elni forum 2005:
  "The implementation of risk reduction measures: Inter-face problems between REACh and sector specific environmental legislation (IPPC/WFD)"
  More information...