15/02/2017 (Agence Europe) – On 15 February, the European Commission asked Cyprus, France and Romania to ensure the full implementation of the regulation (98/2013) on the sales and use of explosives precursors. This regulation aims to restrict and control access to several hazardous chemical products that can be used by terrorists to produce home-made bombs. Cyprus, France and Romania have not yet adopted the necessary rules to define the sanctions applicable in the event of violations of the regulation, the Commission notes in a press release. It has therefore sent these three member states reasoned opinions calling on them to take all necessary measures to ensure that the sanctions are applied in line with the regulation. France and Romania must also guarantee the regular distribution to economic operators (i.e. retailers) of the guidelines on precursors. (SP)