04/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced on Friday 4 June that it had opened formal proceedings against French group Suez Environnement over an alleged breach of a seal affixed during an inspection by the Commission in April at the premises of the French group's subsidiary, Lyonnaise des Eaux. The inspection was one of a series of surprise inspections of various companies in the water sector (see EUROPE 10121). Suez has claimed that the breach was an “unfortunate accident”, however, if it is proved that the seal was broken deliberately, the company could face a fine of up to 1% of its turnover. (F.G./transl.rt)