Press Release: Greece: Commission takes action over breaches of environmental law

The European Commission on 15 July 2005 decided to pursue infringement proceedings against Greece in eight cases involving breaches of EU environment law. At the same time, three on-going cases were planned to be closed following their satisfactory resolution. In the most advanced open case, Greece received a first written warning for not heeding a judgement of the European Court of Justice that required Greece to implement an EU law on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In addition, the Commission was planning to refer Greece to the Court over gaps in its measures to protect the ozone layer. In the remaining six cases, covering laws on waste water, air pollution, waste, noise, impact assessment and access to information, Greece was sent final written warnings - the last step before referral to the European Court of Justice.