Brussels, 27/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - Greece will be taken to the European Court of Justice (third stage of the infringement procedure) for the persistent infringement of European environmental legislation. This decision was taken by the Commission on Thursday 27 January. The Commission has lost patience and points out that, despite several reminders and promises, the Greek authorities have still not implemented the measures announced for appropriately protecting Lake Koroneia, a protected zone under the Natura 2000 programme (European network of protected natural sites). This wetland area of international importance is located in the Salonika region and is home to over 150 species of migratory birds every year. It is extremely polluted by illegal drilling and inflows of urban effluent into the lake. Most of the measures including in the comprehensive action plan adopted in 2004 for addressing the problems in the area have still not been put in place. The EU was prepared to co-fund these measures to the tune of €20 million. The conditions for co-funding have not been met and the Commission is seriously considering withdrawing its offer on this payment. (A.N./transl.fl)