Press Release: Environment: Commission asks Spain to comply with Court ruling on industrial accidents

The European Commission is asking Spain to comply with a ruling by the European Court of Justice on emergency planning for major industrial accidents. In March of this year, the Court found that Spain was failing to implement the Seveso Directive, legislation that obliges Member States to draw up emergency plans to cover major accidents involving dangerous substances. The Commission is concerned that six months after the Court ruling, no such plans exist for 24 potentially dangerous industrial installations. At the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, it has therefore decided to issue a Letter of Formal Notice under ongoing infringement proceedings. If the necessary actions are not taken by the Spanish authorities, the Commission may decide to take Spain back to Court to request financial penalties.