Every Year Again: Court of Justice of the European Union Judgement on the Environmental Appeals

The judgement of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Environmental Appeals Act (Umwelt-Rechtsbehelfsgesetz) had been eagerly awaited. The European Commission has taken legal action on the German regulation on preclusion and on procedural mistakes. Already in its judgements "Trianel" and "Altrip" the ECJ decided on legal aspects for the access for environmental association to courts. The ECJ judged on the Environmental Appeals Act with respect to EU law and the Aarhus Convention. The judgement opens new possibilities for actions by environmental associations at German administrative courts.