Germany has a comprehensive and scientifically sound set of environmental laws. Whether it be air quality, water protection, nature conservation or chemical safety – the legal requirements for the protection of people and the environment are formulated to a high standard in many areas. Nevertheless, experience shows time and again that there is often a considerable gap between legal requirements and their actual implementation. It is precisely this issue that is addressed in the latest special report by the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU), entitled ‘Environmental law: between aspiration and reality. Implementation as a core task of environmental policy’.
The SRU has reached a remarkable conclusion: shortcomings in environmental protection often do not result from a lack of regulations, but rather from their implementation. Drawing on studies, expert discussions and numerous practical examples, the report shows that environmental law in Germany is frequently applied selectively, with delays, in a manner that varies from region to region, or in a way that is technically inappropriate.
The areas examined include, amongst others:
- Air quality control
- Water protection and nitrate pollution
- Chemical safety
- Plant monitoring in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act
- Natura 2000 sites
- Permit procedures for wind turbines
- Commercial waste disposal and recycling
A highly topical subject at the 24th Müller-BBM expert discussions
On the occasion of the upcoming 24th Müller-BBM expert discussions in Berlin, Prof. Dr Annette Elisabeth Töller will give a presentation on 1st October 2026. As a member of the German Advisory Council on the Environment, she played a key role in the preparation of the special report and will present key findings, with a particular focus on air quality management.
This offers experts from public authorities, industry, planning, the regulatory sector and environmental management a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the latest developments regarding the further development and implementation of environmental law.