Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard launched moves this week

Date: 24/10/1996

to improve member states' implementation of environmental law. She pointed to 265 suspected breaches of EU environmental law in 1995 - over 20&percent; of all the infringements registered by the Commission last year. At any one time, there are over 600 cases outstanding against EU governments. Bjerregaard suggested guidelines to assist member states in environmental inspections and the possible establishment of local investigation procedures.