10. International linkages

This chapter lists cases of Hungarian participation in various international co-operations that were formed, or operate to promote the sound management of chemicals. These operate in part through governmental and non-governmental organisations. Of the relevant international governmental and non-governmental organisations, Hungary has current, fruitful ties with the following: IFCS, UNEP (IRPTC), WHO, ILO, IPCS, UNIDO, FAO, EPPO, OECD, UNITAR, NATO, CEFIC, EuPC, ICE, GCPE, ECPA, IVSS, IFOAM. The most important programmes that Hungary participates in are: London Directives, PIC implementation, EHC, HSG (reviewing, distributing papers), Agenda 21 implementation, Environmental and Health Programme of OECD, EURO-Health programme, integrating the CIWIC system into the international ICE information system, APELL programme, international technical aid programme, PHARE, German Chemical Association's Eastern Europe programme.

We can thus say that Hungary actively participates in the implementation of international agreements. This is done through the introduction of appropriate internal regulations. To facilitate implementation, designating the institutions and agencies responsible for individual areas and providing them with the necessary means, is done within a reasonable amount of time. We consider the implementation of international agreements to be satisfactory or successful (depending on case). A key problem hampering the implementation of international agreements – primarily concerning investments – is the lack of funds. This could be solved by acquiring funds from international sources.

Work done with the purpose of achieving international goals is integrated into a comprehensive national programme within the framework of the National Programme for Environmental Protection, or – in some cases – other national programmes (e.g. Programme of Labour Protection, Environmental Health Programme).

Co-operation with international organisations at the national level in the field of chemicals management could be realised most successfully through the co-ordination of the Inter-ministerial Commission on Chemical Safety; introduction and implementation of agreements could be speeded up considerably with the help of this commission.

Co-operation between authorities in charge and those responsible for environmental protection and environmental health within the framework of aid programmes could be facilitated by starting projects co-financed by PHARE.

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