Spain, to the queue in compliance with environmental legislation

The degree of conformity with the legislation varies from one Member State to another; France, Greece, Ireland and Spain have the worst results. By sectors, water, waste, nature protection and the assessments of impacts on the environment is where records highest number of shortcomings.

Spain is the fifth country in the European Union (EU) only surpassed by France, Italy, Ireland and Greece with worst results in the implementation of Community environmental legislation. During the year 2003, the EU Executive noted in Spain 25 cases of deficiencies in the EU environmental directives: 7 cases of delays in the adaptation of mandatory deadlines, 10 cases of maladaptation, and 8 cases of incorrect application.

The largest number of shortcomings occurred in the sector of environmental pollution (8), the water quality (5), in the assessment of environmental impact of infrastructure (4), and in the field of chemicals and biotechnology (3).

In last position is France, with 38 cases of poor implementation; Italy has 33 cases; Greece, Ireland, 29 and 26. The classification is the leading Denmark, who only recorded 7 cases of deficiencies, followed by Sweden with 8.

The Commission notes in total more than 300 delays or irregular adaptation of the directives on environmental protection in the European Union between the 15 old Member States. On the 10 enlargement countries there is no data because the study covers the period between 1 January and 31 December 2003, prior to accession.

Brussels stresses that in addition to denounce the worst cases before the Court of Luxembourg, it has also put in place a more active approach providing technical assistance to national authorities so that they correctly apply European directives.

"During my mandate, I was surprised the large number of complaints which we have broadcast citizens, NGOs and members of Parliament on the violation of Community environmental law." "This study shows that the concerns are justified," said the Commissioner Margot Wallström.

"I hope that the conclusions of the research inciting States members to be corrected and to guarantee their citizens the level of protection of the environment they claim," he said.

As in previous years, the area of the environment has represented, in 2003, more than a third of the total number of complaints and infringements to Community law.

The number of processes of infringement in violation of Community environmental law course reaches the 509 and the number of new complaints 505, throughout the period.

Bring infringement cases before the European Court of Justice is not the best or most effective solution; to obtain a sunset in accordance, must maintain the necessary time instance.

In this regard, the Commission's Directorate-General for environment has taken a more active approach in the preparation and implementation of environmental legislation, particularly to maintain regular contacts with the officials responsible for its implementation at the national level and offering a "technical assistance" in this field. In the meantime, the Commission is limited to assume a role of assistance.

See the 5th annual report on the implementation of Community legislation in the field of environment in http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/law/as03.htm