Brussels, 28/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 October, the European Commission decided to pursue the infringement procedures undertaken against Greece, Austria and Portugal for failure properly to incorporate into national law Directive 2008/73/EC on listing and publishing information in the veterinary and zootechnical fields. They have each been sent a reasoned opinion, the final stage before possible referral to the EU Court of Justice.
Directive 2008/73/EC also obliges member states to provide up-to-date information concerning national reference laboratories. The objective is to protect and raise the health status and condition of animals in the Community, in particular, food-producing animals, whilst permitting intra-Community trade and imports of animals and animal products. Member states ought to have implemented the directive by January 1, 2010, but Greece, Austria and Portugal have failed to do so. They now have two months to respond to the reasoned opinion and take the necessary steps to comply with EU law. If they do not, they may be referred to the Court. (L.C./transl.rt)