Press Release: Environment: Commission takes Greece to court over failure to protect iconic species

On 27 March 2014, the European Commission announced that is taking Greece to Court for a failure to provide adequate protection for endangered sea turtles. The case concerns developments in Kyparissia Bay in the Western Peloponnese, one of the most important nesting beaches for caretta caretta loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean, and an area protected under EU legislation. A high number of developments and construction activities are being tolerated and given permits in the area, and the developments are having a significant negative effect on the endangered turtles. On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is referring the case to the EU Court of Justice.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Environment: Nature and biodiversity: Natura 2000 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm

European Commission: DG Environment: Nature abd Biodiversity: Habitats Directive http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/14/241: March infringements package: main decisions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-241_en.pdf

European Commission: Secretariat-General: Application of EU law: Infringements of EU law http://ec.europa.eu/eu_law/infringements/infringements_en.htm

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/12/12: Infringements: Frequently Asked Questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-12_en.pdf

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