Press Release: Italy: Commission pursues legal action for breaches of EU environmental legislation

The European Commission was taking further legal action against Italy in 15 cases concerning breaches of the EU's environmental laws, 18 January 2005. The legislation in question related to waste-water treatment, industrial emissions, prevention of industrial accidents, environmental impact assessment, conservation of important natural habitats, protection of water resources, control of air pollution, emissions trading and zoos. In ten of the cases Italy was being referred to the European Court of Justice. In another case Italy received a final warning to comply with a previous Court judgment or face the prospect of substantial penalties.