By Pavel Antonov News, events information and environmental stories in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are what readers of The Bulletin are looking for, according to a survey distributed in our March 2001 issue. Seventy-six readers replied to our questionnaire, offering valuable feedback about their information needs and professional affiliation with the environment. Receiving regional environmental news and information is the top priority for 18 percent of the readers who participated in the survey. Stories explaining environmental problems in the CEE region, and the reasons behind these problems, were most important to 17 percent of respondents. A third area, which was a priority for 11 percent of the respondents, was news about the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) - its projects, achievements and development. Following closely on the list of preferences come analyses of political and international processes involving the environment in the CEE region, data and charts about the state of environment and updates on relevant legislation in the region. Although essential to some, information about funding offered from the REC ranks lower in the list, and was chosen by only 8 percent of the respondents as a primary area of interest. It is immediately possible to identify a clear trend in the focus of readers' interest. More attention is paid to essential environmental information from the region. The survey indicates to the editorial team of The Bulletin that the direction chosen a few years ago was right - turning The Bulletin into an illustrated magazine covering CEE's environment. The current issue focuses on the connection between transport and the environment. Although lacking capital, CEE countries do have some advantages in the area of transportation, including well-developed public transport. The extensive existing public transport networks of the region are seen as a major pillar of sustainable development in this sector. Of course there are problems, which are either common to CEE countries or specific to some countries in the region. The desire for transportation infrastructure projects and investments is often stronger than the desire to take care of environmental concerns. As they undergo the process of accession to the European Union, CEE governments would do well to realise that transport can be developed sustainably.

Out of Room: Central and Eastern Europe can't handle many more cars.