09/03/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 8 March, the European Commission decided to begin infringement proceedings against Spain and to continue with that against Ireland for failure to comply with the European directive on assessment and management of flood risks (Directive 2007/60/EC). Neither of these countries have completed, published or notified the Commission of all their management plans, although the deadline for doing so was 22 March 2016. Ireland, which had not followed up a letter of formal notice in 2016, has received a reasoned opinion urging it to come into line within two months, failing which court procedure may be opened against it. By letter of formal notice, Spain is urged to notify its plans for the river basins of Catalonia and the Canary Islands. (AN)