On Thursday 6 June, the European Commission sent a formal letter of notice to nine Member States (Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden) to comply with the Regulation on ship recycling (1257/2013).
The Regulation essentially aims to make the recycling of ships flying the flag of an EU Member State safer and more environmentally friendly.
However, in order for this to happen, “it is essential”, says the Commission, that Member States fulfil the key obligations relating to the designation of competent authorities, agencies and contact people and the establishment of national legislation concerning application of these rules and any applicable sanctions. The deadline for complying with the Regulation was 31 December 2018, which the nine Member States concerned either did not meet or met only partially.
The Member States concerned have two months to reply to the Commission, failing which the Commission will send them a reasoned opinion, which is the last stage of the procedure, before referring them to the Court of Justice. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)