European Commission

Date: 31/07/1997

THE Commission announced that it would continue with a series of infringement proceedings against several EU member states which have failed to comply with rules on the handling of industrial goods. The institution said it would be sending reasoned opinions (the second stage of proceedings which can ultimately end in legal action at the European Court of Justice) to Italy, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Portugal and Luxembourg. Officials said all seven had yet to implement EU rules on equipment to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, dangerous substances, construction products, recreational craft and the labelling of footwear.

GREECE is set to face a legal challenge at the ECJ over its failure to comply with EU rules on emissions from motor vehicles. The Commission said it intended to take court action because Athens has still not implemented Union rules on air pollution caused by cars, lorries, buses and motorcycles. Greece should have ensured the disputed directive was transposed into national law as long ago as 1994. Levels of air pollution in the Greek capital are amongst the Union's highest.

INFRINGEMENT proceedings will also be continued against four member states for applying national legislation which creates obstacles to the fundamental single market principles of freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services. Belgium has been criticised for its restrictive patent laws which require firms or individuals to be resident in the country before they can have dealings with the national patents office. The Belgian authorities have recognised the validity of the Commission's complaint and promised to amend the rules. But, as yet, the Commission has received no notification of this amendment. Ireland currently forbids the sale of lottery tickets from other member states on its territory. Spain obliges non-residents to employ the services of a Spanish notary when purchasing property, and Italy has yet to apply fully rules on the status of self-employed people.