Brussels, 20/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the European Commission sent Spain a Reasoned Opinion, requesting that Spain fully implement the Directive on access to environmental information. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice. This case arose from a complaint lodged against the Government of the Region of Cantabria following its failure to fulfil two requests for access to information. The first request concerned the proposed list of sites of Community interest under the EC Natura 2000 scheme, which seeks to conserve natural habitats and wild flora and fauna. The second request was made to the Cantabrian Environment Minister with regards to a quarry at Izara. The EU Directive enables citizens to be better informed about environmental matters thereby improving the protection of the environment. Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström commented: "I regret that Spain has failed to correctly apply the EU rules on access to environmental information. This failure undermines the very reason why these rules were established: to ensure that citizens have access to environmental information held by public authorities thereby helping citizens to play an active role in contributing to environmental protection."