Press Release: Environmental impact assessment: Commission takes legal action to improve implementation in 10 Member States

The European Commission on 3 July 2006 initiated infringement procedures against 10 Member States over violations of a key EU law on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of projects. This Directive aims to ensure that the environmental effects of a wide range of infrastructural, industrial, mineral extraction and other projects are properly examined before any works are undertaken. The law also gives important participation rights to citizens. The Commission identified gaps and deficiencies in the ten Member States' laws and therefore decided to send first written warnings to ensure that they comply with all the provisions of the Directive