The new Member States' thorough preparation for the accession to the European Union is a precondition for an effective enlargement of the EU. Therefore, not only the national level but also the regional and local level should be placed in the centre of attention, in order to implement European legislation. The aim of the two projects "Capacity Building in Latvia and Lithuania" is to prepare regional and local environmental administration in Latvia and Lithuania for their EU-accession.

During the course of the project "Capacity Building in Latvia and Lithuania" representatives of the local authorities, public authorities, inspectorates from areas related to the environmental sector such as urban planning, or the energy and transport sectors, will be informed about the relations between European and national environmental policies. In view of the enlargement, this will contribute to a better implementation and enforcement of the national environmental legislation, which is initiated by European environmental legislation. The goal of the project will be attained by a series of events consisting of information days, seminars and management training courses that offer knowledge and practical information to a wide target group. The representatives of the German federal states, who are promoting the project, make practical experience available by providing speakers for the events. Selected representatives of Latvia and Lithuania will be invited to a study visit to the respective German federal state. The events will be prepared through a set of background papers specifically drawn up for the target group and made available to the participants of the events. As of this point, the followings papers have been prepared:

1. Structure and Working Methods of the European Union
2. EU Environment Legislative Framework and General Preconditions for effective enforcement
3. EU Waste Policy and Challenges for Regional and Local Authorities
4. EU Water Policy and Challenges for Regional and Local Authorities