AarhusKonvention

The Aarhus Convention, formally the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, is an international treaty aiming to strengthen public rights regarding the environment. It was adopted on 25 June 1998 in Aarhus, Denmark, and entered into force on 30 October 2001. The convention binds its parties to three core goals: access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters.

Rights and scope. The convention guarantees the public’s right to access information about environmental matters held by public authorities, subject to limited and clearly defined exemptions. It requires proactive disclosure of environmental information and timely responses to requests. It also secures public participation in decisions that may affect the environment, including plans, programs, and specific projects with potentially significant environmental impacts. Finally, it ensures access to legal or administrative recourse for individuals and groups to challenge acts or omissions by authorities that affect the environment.

Public and procedures. The convention uses the concept of the “public concerned” and defines environmental information broadly, including health and ecological risks. While exemptions exist, they must be narrowly construed. A Compliance Committee monitors party implementation and can issue opinions on alleged non-compliance, with recommendations for corrective action.

Status and impact. The Aarhus Convention has been ratified by numerous European states and the European Union, which participates as a party. It has influenced national legislation on transparency and participation in environmental matters and is supported by a framework of regional and international enforcement mechanisms, though effectiveness often depends on domestic legal systems and remedies.