EU blasts Greece’s green failings
The European Commission slammed Greece yesterday for failing to take proper measures to protect the environment and said it may take the country to court on six different cases if it does not conform with guidelines. Those six cases involve the government’s management of wastewater, air pollution, solid waste, noise impact assessment and access to information. The Commission says Greece’s handling of these issues falls short of EU rules. Greece has also been referred to the EU’s highest court for failing to take steps to limit the emission of substances that harm the ozone layer. In addition, the Commission gave Greece its first warning for not following a court judgment requiring the implementation of measures aimed at cutting the release of harmful genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment. «I know that member states understand the need to address the concerns of their citizens; concerns that legislation must ensure a healthy environment and a high quality of life,» said the Greek Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas in a statement.
