14/11/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 14 November, the European Commission decided to refer Bulgaria and Romania to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to adequately collect and treat their urban wastewater. The referral comes after a letter of formal notice sent to Bulgaria in July 2017 and a reasoned opinion in May 2020; and, for Romania, after a letter of formal notice in July 2019, followed by a supplementary letter of formal notice in October 2020 and a reasoned opinion in February 2022. In accordance with Directive 91/271/EEC, the towns and cities (agglomerations) of the Member States must set up the infrastructure needed to collect and treat their wastewater. However, according to the Commission, the efforts made by Bulgaria and Romania are insufficient. (FS)