Implementation of EIA directives in Portugal

摘要: Abstract There is a widespread belief that dichotomy exists between northern and southern European countries with respect to environmental policy leadership. This paper attempts analyse some of the factors which underlie so-called Mediterranean syndrome in legislation light two case studies on application EIA directives Portugal. The shows changes are taking place Portuguese society, affecting civic culture, and, as result, political–administrative practice, modifying conditions under applied. These led legislative institutional developments which, instances, have gone beyond existing legislation. It can, therefore, be argued contrary prevailing argument about leaders laggards, at end day, latter also becoming pioneers legal–institutional innovation this field. article purports these lessons may possibly drawn from them view improving procedures standpoint both their scientific technical grounds democratic legitimacy.