Why history matters
Towards an EU birds directive
Negotiation of the Birds directive (1976-1979) and its early implementation
Towards an EU habitats directive
The habitats directive proposal
Negotiating the habitats directive I : the Greek and Spanish presidencies (July 1988 to June 1989)
Negotiating the habitats directive II : the French, Irish, and Italian presidencies (July 1989 to December 1990)
Negotiating the habitats directive III : Luxembourg and Dutch presidencies (January 1991 to December 1991) and adoption of the directive in May 1992
Implementing Natura 2000
Discussion and conclusions.