A critical appraisal of EIA screening practice in EU Member States

To date a large number of studies have been carried out to analyse the comparative performance of EIA systems in Europe. Most studies include a chapter on screening, but few specifically focus on this important step of the EIA process. The EIA Directive defines a common screening approach to be adopted by Member States. However, significant differences in screening regulations and screening practices across European countries and regions exist. The paper typifies these differences and provides a critical appraisal of the most common solutions that have been adopted so far. A number of practical suggestions and alternative policy options to move forward, improving screening approaches, are presented.