Consultations
Consultations with experts, other authorities, NGOs, potentially affected groups or the general public can improve the environmental information available to those carrying out the appropriate assessment and to decision-makers, e.g. by identifying environmental effects or designing suitable mitigation measures. Consultations can also help minimise potential conflicts and delays. Consultation with relevant authorities, experts in biology or ecology as well as with representatives of relevant industries and policy sectors, stakeholders and NGOs during the procedures laid down in Article 6(3) improves the availability of information and the consideration of different points of view. Nature conservation and sectoral authorities should cooperate during the assessment process to ensure that: (i) the appropriate assessment is based on the best available information and experiences; and (ii) all relevant aspects are properly taken into account. When the appropriate assessment is coordinated or runs jointly with the environmental impact assessment (EIA) / strategic environmental assessment (SEA), it can also benefit from the necessary provisions regarding public participation under those directives. However, it is important that the results of the appropriate assessment are distinguished and distinct from those of the EIA/SEA. This is required to ensure the correct application of Article 6(3), second sentence (authorisation can only be given after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned). The EIA Directive (Article 6) requires the Member States to: (i) ensure consultation of relevant authorities; and (ii) provide for early and effective opportunities to inform the public and allow the public concerned to participate in the environmental decision-making procedure. This includes the setting of reasonable time frames for different phases of participation. Similar requirements are set out in Article 6 of the SEA Directive.
Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-25 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.