Strategic Moves - Regional Environmental Center for Central and ...

ment plans. The highest costs are incurred as a result of the waste stream–related
directives and the Landfill Directive.
• The strategic framework for water has been in place since 2000, when the Water
Framework Directive was adopted. The biggest investment implications in
water in SEE are associated with the Drinking Water and the Urban Waste
Water Treatment Directives.
• The Directive on Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe
(2008/50/EC) merges most of the existing legislation into a single directive
with no change to existing air quality objectives. The main public investment
in air is associated with the establishment of a network of monitoring equipment
while significant private investments will be needed for the implementation
of the IPPC and LCP Directives.
Environmental investment needs and benefits
The implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation is one of
the most important areas of work for SEE countries in relation to environmental
infrastructure development. As previously indicated, this process requires significant
efforts towards the upgrading and construction of new environmental facilities
such as wastewater treatment plants and sanitary landfills. In order to identify
where the financial challenge will be the most significant, this section looks at investment
needs as required by EU environmental legislation and highlights the implementation
and investment implications for SEE countries.
Benefits for South Eastern European countries of compliance
with the environmental acquis
Implementing the EU environmental acquis entails large costs. However, it is important
to bear in mind that the process will also eventually lead to a range of benefits
for all sectors of society. In a study commissioned by the EC DG Environment in
2007, the total monetary benefits for SEE countries is estimated at between EUR 1.4
and 2 billion per year (Arcadis Ecolas NV and IEEP, 2007). The total benefits of clean
drinking-water supply for SEE countries are estimated to amount to up to EUR 851
million per year upon full compliance. Furthermore, the implementation of the air-related
environmental acquis is expected to lead to approximately 4,475 fewer cases of
premature death from respiratory diseases and lung cancer per year.
The calculation is based on direct benefits with respect to public health and includes
the reduction of illness and mortality, resource benefits (for example those
gained from reduced water pre-treatment costs as water quality improves; forest products
and sustainable agriculture), and eco-services gains such as the protection of
species, habitats and ecosystems. Wider socioeconomic benefits relate to increased
employment through environmental investments, eco-efficiency gains, the develop-
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