Declaration made upon approval:
Declaration by the European Community in accordance with article 26(4):
"The European Community declares that, in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular article 175 (1) thereof, it is competent for entering into international agreements, and for implementing the obligations resulting therefrom, which contribute to the pursuit of the following objectives:
- preserving, protecting and improving the quality of the environment,
- protecting human health,
- prudent and rational utilization of natural resources,
- promoting measures at international level to deal with regional or worldwide environmental problems.
Pollutant release and transfer registers are appropriate tools for encouraging improvements in environmental performance, for providing public access to information on pollutants released, and for use by competent authorities in tracking trends, demonstrating progress, thereby contributing to the achievement of the abovementioned objectives.
Moreover, the European Community declares that it has already adopted legislation, binding on its Member States, covering matters governed by this Protocol and will submit and update, as appropriate, a list of that legislation in accordance with article 26 (4) of the Protocol.
The European Community is responsible for the performance of those obligations resulting from the Protocol which are covered by Community law in force.
The exercise of Community competence is, by its nature, subject to continuous development."