Greek environmental failings in EC spotlight
The European Commission decided yesterday to take Greece to court for violations of EU environmental laws, and warned similar action could follow for breaches of legislation on wildlife. The Commission said Greece was being charged for failing to implement a management plan for hazardous waste in the heavily industrialized Thriaseio Plain west of Athens, not taking measures to prevent contamination of the water table and failing to implement EU laws on the disposal of used mineral oils. Furthermore, Greece will be sent a reasoned opinion (the last stage before court action) for failing to sufficiently reduce its illegal waste dumps, of which 1,458 were still operating in May. Another reasoned opinion will be sent for Greece’s failure to increase its special protected areas for birds, along with a warning on the protection of the loggerhead turtle.
