A weak version of the Porter hypothesis claims that strict environmental policy provides positive innovation incentives, hence triggering improved competitiveness and securing environmental quality. In a comparative way, this paper empirically tests this hypothesis across countries by linking...

This study analyses the stringency of EU environmental regulations. Contrary to the proposition of an economic -trading up- of standards, the positive theory of environmental federalism which is developed allows for an examination of political mechanisms and the effects of regulation. Empirical...