The European Union comes down on seven governments for being lax on industrial pollution
The European Commission said it would file a lawsuit against four European Union (eu) countries as they have been unsuccessful in implementing a law associated with controlling industrial pollution. Luxembourg's European Court of Justice will take legal action against Spain, Greece and Finland and the uk . The commission also sent final warning letters to Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, who too have failed to implement the directive. They have been given a time period of two months to implement this directive. Any failure on their part would result in legal action.
All the four countries failed to implement the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control directive which was passed in 1996. The directive comprises measures on limiting pollution emissions into air, water and soil. eu 's 15 members were scheduled to incorporate the directive in their laws by November 1999, but almost half of them have been late in doing so. "Countries must make every effort to formulate laws as soon as possible," said Margot Wallstrom, eu 's environment commissioner.
In a separate case, the commission said that it would take Belgium and Greece to court for failing to comply with a 1979 directive on protecting birds.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.