Brussels, 20/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 19 March 2009, the European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Italy for failure to recognise certain guarantees of origin from other EU member states. Under Directive 2001/77/EC on electricity production from renewable energy sources, member states are required to establish a system of guarantees of origin and, as a general rule, to recognise those of other member states. After investigating complaints from several companies that Italy refused to recognise guarantee of origin from France, Greece and Slovenia for renewable energy produced in 2005, the Commission found that the refusal to recognise these guarantees of origin breaches Article 5(4) of Directive 2001/77/EC. The Commission's reasoned opinion calls on Italy to take the necessary measures to comply with the directive within two months. (E.H./transl.fl)