Private responsibilities in the protection of the environment: how to involve SMEs in participatory regulations?

Abstract

The EU provides for a number of self-regulatory and participative instruments in environmental legislation. While Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent 99.8% of the European industrial population, they often lack resources and exposure to the public, limiting their determination to get involved in participatory environmental regulations. Therefore, European regulatory instruments are not yet an effective response to such issues. This article analyses European environmental participation in the industry sector and assesses the incentives and challenges for SMEs. Taking the EMAS Regulation as an example, the analysis aims to show that small companies need more specific regulatory attention and that their participation in the market shall be guided by direct and targeted action of public authorities.