The 16th IMPEL General Assembly was held 6 and 7 December in Tallinn, Estonia. Agenda items included IMPEL’s position regarding the Environmental Compliance Assurance Initiative, outcomes of a study on Implementation Challenges among environmental authorities, expanding IMPEL’s membership, and approving project reports and the work programme and budget for 2018.
The meeting also welcomed two new members: the Dutch Association of Regional Environmental Inspection Agencies and the Environmental Regional Inspectorate from Azores, Portugal.
Chris Dijkens remains chair of IMPEL until the end of 2018. Then new elections for the position of chair and vice-chair will be called.
And lastly the network commemorated its 25th anniversary (special edition newsletter and infographic ’25 years of IMPEL’).
Ana Garcia, vice chair of IMPEL said: this General Assembly showed how, after 25 years, IMPEL Experts continue to stay committed to our work, ready for present and future challenges. I also want to thank European Commission for supporting us and actively involving us in the discussions and work on improved compliance with EU environmental legislation. Our legacy is an inspiration, encouragement and, also a responsibility to continue IMPEL’s excellent work and make it more and more robust and sustainable for the future. During these two days we had good discussions about the route that allow for a more structured robust and consistent approach to our future work, enabling to support our Members Countries in the needs and challenges they face.
The minutes of the meeting will be made available early 2018 on the website, as well as the approved project reports and new projects.
