17/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - Just as the Environment Council of 17 October was preparing to hear a progress report on the proposal of directive on environmental liability, Mihail Papayannakis (GUE, Greece), Parliament's rapporteur on this issue, raised a cry of alarm. "The Commission's proposal for a Directive of January this year could lead to serious confusion. After ten years of discussion, it would be a tragedy if the EU institutions could not produce legislation which is clear, certain, consistent and coherent in its effect". Mr Papayannakis mainly calls for the proposal to be amended in order to: - ensure the polluter has first responsibility; - create a special fund to be used if the polluter cannot be identified; - allow citizens to take legal action against polluters without having to go through the public authorities; - include damage caused by genetically modified organisms in the definition of environmental damage; and - include radiation in the definition of soil contamination.
Presentation of European Parliament plenary session (21-24 October)