The article introduces general obligations of operators under the Estonian law. The General Part of Environmental Code Act, which entered into force on August 1, introduces obligations applicable to all operators that need to be complied with in addition to specific obligations of operators of waste management facilities, combustion plants etc.
The paper focuses on the relations of general obligations and the EU law. EU law can on one hand be viewed as a source of general obligations in Estonian law. On the other hand, it is also a good tool for applying EU environmental law and policy in member states, at least in theory. As discussed in the article, this potential is at the same time highly dependant on its application in practice. In short term, the development of such practice may be hindered by skills and habits of public officials as well as lack of case-law.
The paper focuses on the relations of general obligations and the EU law. EU law can on one hand be viewed as a source of general obligations in Estonian law. On the other hand, it is also a good tool for applying EU environmental law and policy in member states, at least in theory. As discussed in the article, this potential is at the same time highly dependant on its application in practice. In short term, the development of such practice may be hindered by skills and habits of public officials as well as lack of case-law.
The article is available online on the Kluwer Law International home page (for charge).
