Brussels, 22/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Despite the Italian Presidency's efforts to reach a compromise over the updating of the 1976 Bathing Water Directive to improve the scientific data it is based on, the Environment Council on Monday was unable to reach political agreement on the text. During a public hearing, the delegations all said they agreed with the main target, improving health protection for bathers by reducing the danger of contracting gastro-enteritis or respiratory illnesses...