Policy instruments for soil protection among the EU member states: A comparative analysis

Summary

This systematic comparative analysis examines how European Union member states address soil protection in the absence of a binding EU Soil Framework Directive. Using gap analysis methodology, the authors reviewed regulatory, economic, informational, and monitoring instruments across all MS, finding substantial heterogeneity and lack of coordination in national approaches. The study demonstrates that the withdrawal of the proposed Directive has resulted in fragmented, autonomous legislative frameworks that undermine coherent management of soil resources and progress toward 2030 sustainability targets.

Regional applicability

This analysis directly addresses UK policy context, particularly relevant given post-Brexit regulatory autonomy in soil protection. The findings suggest that without supranational coordination frameworks, individual countries face challenges in harmonising soil management standards and achieving transnational environmental goals—considerations pertinent to UK soil policy development and alignment with SDG commitments.

Key measures

Inventory and classification of regulatory instruments, economic instruments, information tools, monitoring systems, and research/innovation activities by member state; assessment of coherence with Sustainable Development Goals targets for 2030

Outcomes reported

Systematic review of current EU policies for soil protection across all member states, identifying regulatory instruments, economic tools, information systems, monitoring mechanisms, and research activities. Gap analysis revealing absence of common EU strategy and inconsistencies in subsidiary approaches to soil management.

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