Regolamentazione ambientale europea e impatti economici sulle imprese

Since the 1970s, European countries have increasingly prioritized the protection of the environment and human health. In response to these growing concerns, the European Community has progressively broadened its regulatory framework, issuing an expanding array of directives and regulations aimed at safeguarding natural resources and improving public health conditions. This paper provides a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the main environmental legislation developed within the European Community, culminating in the ambitions of the European Green Deal, with particular attention devoted to the REACH regulation. To evaluate how these regulatory measures influence corporate performance, innovation dynamics, and strategic behavior, the analysis draws on the theoretical foundations of both the Porter Hypothesis and the Pollution Haven Hypothesis. By integrating these perspectives, the paper highlights the complex interplay between regulation, competitiveness, and environmental responsibility. The study concludes by outlining promising avenues for future research that warrant deeper scientific exploration, especially in light of the evolving regulatory landscape and the growing emphasis on sustainable industrial transformation.