GERMAN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND ITS HARMONIZATION WITH EU ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

The article reveals the essence and stages of development of European Union (EU) environmental law, with a focus on the influence of the German legal system. It outlines the historical stages of the formation of environmental law in Germany, starting from the adoption of the Nature Protection Act in 1951 and other significant environmental acts. The main principles of German environmental law, such as the "polluter pays" principle, the precautionary principle, and the guarantee of citizens' rights to environmental participation, are analyzed, as they formed the basis for the development of European environmental standards. Furthermore, the article discusses aspects of the harmonization of German environmental law with EU law and the prospects for the development of environmental legislation, particularly through the integration of new technologies, strengthening climate policies, and the development of the circular economy.