EN
The paper provides introductory information on a worldwide acknowledged decision-making tool called Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The baseline of EIA is a broad scope of the environment and variety of environmental effects tobe predicted and assessed within. EIA is more than environmental expertise, it is a process with screening, scoping, preparation of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and its presentation to decision-makers, with EIS-review, decision, and post-decision monitoring and audit. EIA is a quite recent phenomenon, some experience in USA exceeds 20 years, but for most countries EIA practice is shorter. A significant boost in EIA was made due to EEC Directive on EIA in 1985. Furthermore, the idea of EIA was adopted by international aid organizations. Poland is also currently re-developing an approach to EIA.