Brussels, 19/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 18 December, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Belgium for failing to comply with Community legislation aimed at guaranteeing non-discriminatory access to activities relating to the prospection, exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The Community legislation in question requires that a list of competent authorities be published, that all interested entities be able to submit applications within the framework of the procedures for granting authorisations, and that the final selection of applications be made on the basis of objective, non-discriminatory criteria. The procedures in Belgium do not satisfy these requirements, the Commission states. For example, there are rules in force which require the use of criteria which are incompatible with Community legislation (e.g. impact on the economy). Furthermore, publication of the list of competent authorities has still not been completed. Belgium has two months to respond to the reasoned opinion. The Commission will then decide whether or not to take the matter to the Court of Justice. (O.L./transl.jl)