The environmental problems of Eastern Europe are particularly severe, even allowing for difficulties of perspective. The communist past must bear a good share of blame for this, although geographical factors also play a part. The environmental issue was prominent before 1989 in dissenting movements which benefited from its mobilising potential. Early elections after 1989 brought from poor to calamitous results to green parties. There were a number of reasons for this. Ecologically‐minded former dissenters were taking up government positions, the focus of politics shifted from defeating communism to coping with acute material problems, whilst other political parties were including a concern for the environment in their programmes. The new governments have promoted environmental legislation, targeted problem areas, and sought foreign support for environmental programmes. Nuclear power retains its position in the energy sector except in Poland. The region also suffers from problems connected with its recent history, such as environmental damage caused by Soviet troops. The governments of the region play their full part in international initiatives and conferences.