28/09/2023 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission sent Portugal, on Thursday 28 September, a reasoned opinion for infringement of EU directive on urban waste water treatment (Directive 91/271/EEC) in 18 agglomerations. In 15 of them, there is no guarantee that the wastewater entering the collection systems undergoes secondary or equivalent treatment before being discharged. In three other agglomerations, wastewater is discharged into sensitive areas without undergoing the tertiary treatment that is required. A letter of formal notice in July 2022 led to some improvements, but still not enough. If Portugal does not respond satisfactorily to the reasoned opinion within two months by announcing the measures necessary to comply, the Commission may bring an action before the Court of Justice. (AN)