European Union external environmental policy

European Union external environmental policy: Engagement with third countries and international institutions

Delreux T. (2026), 'European Union external environmental policy: Engagement with third countries and international institutions' in Zito A., Domorenok E. (eds.), De Gruyter Handbook of European Union Environmental Policy, Berlin, De Gruyter, p. 429-441. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111321523-033

Abstract

This chapter examines the external dimension of European Union (EU) environmental policy by analyzing how the EU pursues environmental objectives toward third countries and international institutions. It explores four venues through which the EU conducts external environmental policy. First, via the enlargement venue the EU spreads its environmental regulatory framework toward candidate countries. Second, the unilateral venue consists of internal policies affecting third countries, either deliberately or unintentionally. Third, the bilateral venue contains sustainability clauses in trade agreements with third countries as well as dialogue mechanisms, capacity-building and diplomatic outreach. Fourth, at the multilateral level, the EU has co-shaped the global environmental governance architecture and presented itself as a leader in multilateral environmental negotiations. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the geopolitical relevance of the EU’s external environmental policy and on the mainstreaming of environmental objectives in the EU’s foreign policy.