Governance & Policy
Aarhus Convention
Definition
The Aarhus Convention, adopted in 1998 under the UN Economic Commission for Europe and in force since 2001, grants the public three procedural rights in environmental matters: access to information, participation in decision-making, and access to justice. Its compliance committee allows members of the public to challenge how states implement those rights.
References
Overview
What it means
Environmental democracy is legally enforceable across Europe and Central Asia — citizens can demand data, be heard, and sue.
How it is used
NGOs obtain environmental data and challenge permits; EU law transposes its pillars; its principles inform the Escazú Agreement and disclosure practice.
Why it matters
It underpins transparency norms that sustainability reporting, EIA processes and environmental justice campaigns rely on.
Review questions
What source or framework gives the term authority? What boundary or role is being described? What evidence would a reviewer need before relying on the term?