But there is another potential impact for the environment and nature conservation which is a much more positive one. The 1999 structural fund regulations for the first time recognised that the funds could be used for the protection and improvement of the environment (emphasis added). This change in wording was extremely significant – for the first time the doors were open to local and regional authorities and national governments to start putting forward environmental and nature programme proposals which meet the European Union’s cohesion policy objectives set out in the Treaty. At the same time, agricultural support has been gradually reformed not only to reduce impacts on the environment, but also to open new opportunities for financing.
