Dimas: states putting EU green rules into law

EU member states are getting better at implementing environmental laws, according to a report due from the European Commission this month.

Annually, the Commission reports on the number of infringe-ment cases open at the end of each year, in areas ranging from water quality to chemicals safety.

There were 570 ongoing cases at the end of 2004. The Commission says 2005 figures will show a slight drop in the number of cases that made it to court, with more countries now stepping into line after a first or second written warning.

The EU nature protection legislation Natura is one of the laws that member states are more likely to ignore or only partially imple-ment. It accounted for 36% of infringements at the end of 2004. The new figures will show a drop to 26% for 2005.

"Member states now seem keener in terms of implementation," said a Commission environment spokeswoman. "Some remain stubborn, but overall we are reducing the number of open cases."

Italy and Greece remain among the countries with the highest number of cases in court. France has, however, improved since 2004.

A publication date for the latest report is still under discussion but the spokeswoman said 15 and 18 September were possibilities.

This will be the second report to include the ten new member states that joined the EU in May 2004.

Environmental infringements account for roughly a third of all cases opened in the EU every year. Stavros Dimas, the environment commissioner, has made better implementation of green laws a priority for his time at the Commission.

EU member states are getting better at implementing environmental laws, according to a report due from the European Commission this month.