This Decision sets forth a general European Union action programme in the field of the environment for the period up to 31 December 2020, called the 7th Environment Action programme. This programme is based on the precautionary principle, the principles of preventive action and of rectification of pollution at source and the polluter-pays principle. It has the following priority objectives: (a) to protect, conserve and enhance the European European Union’s natural capital; (b) to turn the Europe