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European elections

On 4 June 2009, the people of Northern Ireland will go to the polls, electing three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to represent them in the European Parliament until 2013.

We believe that these elections are hugely important for the future of our natural environment.

The EU has been vital for creating wide-ranging legislation to protect our environment. Indeed, up to 90% of Northern Ireland's environment law originates in Brussels and many MEPs have been at the forefront of improving our natural environment and encouraging sustainable economic activity.

However much more needs to be done, to ensure we remain world leaders in building a more environmentally-friendly society that works within the planet's means and finite natural resources.

As a member of Birdlife International, the RSPB has helped to produce a European manifesto, for the lifetime of the next European Parliament (2009-2014). ‘Vote for our planet' urges MEPs to help restore our ecosystems, keep agriculture healthy, fight climate chaos and champion healthy seas. You can read the main points or download a copy from this page.

We've contacted all the political parties in Northern Ireland who are fielding candidates in the forthcoming European elections to find out their views on environmental issues and how they propose to tackle these issues, if elected.

Last modified: 06 April 2009

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