Brussels, 15/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - France has still not taken the necessary measures to ensure that certain of its industrial installations comply with the integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) directive. Compliance was required of member states by 30 October 2007, when they should have issued new permits or revised existing permits for all industrial installations that were in operation before 30 October 1999. Also, on Monday 14 March, the European Commission decided to take France before the Court of Justice for failing to comply with EU rules on industrial emissions. According to the latest information available to the Commission, at least 62 industrial installations in France are still operating without a permit in full compliance with the requirements of the IPPC directive. The Commission is not satisfied with the pace of the revision process, and has therefore decided to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.
On Monday, the Commission also decided, with the sending of reasoned opinions, to continue a series of procedures for infringement of EU environmental legislation. EUROPE will return to this tomorrow. (O.L./transl.jl)