HAZARDOUS-WASTE PROBLEMS IN SELECTED COUNTRIES IN EASTERN-EUROPE - POLICIES AND STRATEGIES FOR REMEDIAL ACTION

The formerly centrally planned economies of Eastern Europe are undergoing fundamental changes in both their political and economic structures. Central to the problems faced by these countries is an increasingly deteriorating environment, which has a grave impact on health and the quality of life. This paper will focus on selected Eastern European countries and will identify the sustained damage to environmental resources caused by the generation and accumulation of hazardous substances. The socioeconomic impact of these critical environmental conditions will be presented, and the structural changes needed to improve these conditions will be discussed. The catalytic role of international organizations and the European Community as well as the preconditions for effective economic incentives are noted. The focus is on approaches for the prevention of further damage to the environment and to public health.