Brussels, 26/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission decided to go one step further in the infringement procedure against Greece which, despite a first call to order, has still not complied with EU law on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases, or F-gases (Regulation No 842/2006/EC) aimed at limiting emissions of these industrial gases with considerable global warming potential.
A reasoned opinion (second stage in infringement proceedings) is to be addressed to Greece for failing to comply with the obligation to inform the Commission which national bodies are responsible for certifying the relevant service companies for stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heart pump equipment as well as stationary fire protection systems and fire extinguishers containing F-gases. The Commission above all reproaches Greece for not having specified the denominations of certificates to be delivered. The Greek authorities will have two months in which to come into line with the regulation, failing which the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the EU.
Under Regulation 842/2006/EC, companies concerned are to take measures to reduce leaks from equipment containing F-gases and to recover those gases in equipment at end-of-life. The legislation also imposes programmes for the training and certification of personnel and companies that intervene in activities related to fluorinated greenhouse gases. (AN/transl.jl)