Public participation in environmental decision making: The European dimension Author Sheate W., Atkinson N. Journal/Series Environmental Policy and Practice | Vol. 5(3); 119 - 129; 11 p. Date 1995 Source IUCN (ID: ANA-056587) Publisher | Place of publication EPP Publications | Richmond, UK Language English Country/Territory European Union Subject Environment gen. Keyword Public participation EIA Abstract Recent international commitments provide an added impetus and context for the development of improved public participation in environmental decision-making: In Europe environmental impact assessment (EIA) is now - ten years since first agreed - well established. Lessons from the experience of EIA provide some useful insights as to how to ensure effective public participation in the newer EC instruments of access to information, environmental management and auditing, and eco-labelling. The key to successful public participation lies in achieving an appropriate balance between early opportunities for involvement in decision-making and access to justice when things go awry: A question of providing both prevention and cure.