We conveyed our view that the Sixth Action programme should set future environmental policy within a wider context, where environmental, social and economic objectives are pursued in a mutually reinforcing way.A progress report was considered on the proposed National Emission Ceilings Directive which aims to limit emissions of acidifying and eutrophying pollutants and ozone precursors, by setting national emission ceilings (NECS) not to be exceeded after 2010.Finally, the Council received a Commission report on a chemicals strategy, following...