With the 1996 IPPC Directive, a new binding concept was introduced at the European level for the licensing of industrial installations. IPPC stands for "Integrated Pollution Prevention Control". Through the implementaion of this directive, a general European harmonisation is pursued which is not only designed to protect the environment, but also to reduce competitive and localised distortions that may affect wide areas of industrial activity.

All companies which dispose of IPPC installations must meet the requirements of the Directive by the 30 October 2007. This represents a big challenge for both the industry and the permiting authorities. Against this background, the Information Day aims at:

• providing information on the European legal requirements
• presenting the necessary steps for the implementation of the Directive
• offering appropriate contacts, and
• giving a description of the specific features of the permitting process and of the participation of the general public.

The central purpose of the event is to provide the entrepreneurs concerned with the basic knowledge which is necessary for the fulfilment of the requirements of the Directive. At the same time, the event provides a forum for an exchange of views and experiences.