Press Release: Maritime safety: Commission refers Belgium to Court over rules on the investigation of maritime accidents

The European Commission has decided to take Belgium to the Court of Justice for failing to fully implement the Directive on the investigation of maritime accidents. The Commission proposes a daily fine of € 55,265.28 to be paid from the date of the Court's affirmative ruling until Belgium notifies the Commission that it has fully implemented the rules into national law. These financial penalties are proposed by the Commission under the Lisbon Treaty and take into account the duration and the gravity of the infringement and the size of the Member State. The final decision on the penalties rests with the Court. The directive requires that Member States establish an impartial permanent investigative body, endowed with the necessary powers, and staffed by suitably qualified investigators, competent in matters relating to marine casualties and incidents.

ESO: Background Information: June infringements package: main decisions http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-june-infringements-package-main-decisions/

---