ABSTRACT
In this paper the major elements of the European Union's policy on environmental protection and sustainable development and the resulting challenges for analytical sciences are presented. The priority issues dealt with are: Sustainable management of natural resources: air, water and soil Climate change and clean energy Global development cooperation Analytical sciences are required to provide policy-relevant information for the development and implementation of European Union legislation and form a strong pillar for a sustainable evolution of our region and our planet. It shows what information needs to be provided, how the necessary quality levels can be achieved and what new approaches, e.g. combining measurements and modelling, or earth observations with in situ chemical/physical measurements, need to be taken to achieve an integrated assessment of the state of the environment and to develop approaches for sustainable development.
