Implementation of EIA directive sin Portugal How changes in civic culture are challenging Political and administrative practice

摘要

There is a widespread belief that a dichotomy exists between northern and southern European countries with respect to environmental policy leadership. This paper attempts to Analyse some of the factors which underlie the so-called Mediterranean syndrome in Environmental policy and legislation in the light of two case studies on the application of European EIA directives in Portugal. The paper show s that changes are taking place in Portuguese society, affecting civic culture, and, as a results, plitical-administrative Practice, which are modifying the conditions under which EIA directives are applied.