Three EU states breach environmental legislation

Three EU member states have been sent to court by the European Commission for not adhering to environmental legislation.

Ireland, France and the Czech Republic have all been ordered to face judges by the organisation for a number of reasons.

Two cases have been brought against Ireland in reference to its failure to inspect septic tanks and also for its deficiencies regarding pollution control. Both issues are covered by the Waste Directive.

Meanwhile, France is being cited for not meeting air quality targets, as environmental analysis showed the 35-day pollution allowance threshold has been breached already in 2011 in 16 different areas.

The Czech Republic is also in hot water for its failure to update biocides legislation.

A string of other nations have been given final warnings for a range of issues, with Italy being found wanting in the department of treating waste water.

The European Commission is also asking member states for ideas on how to reduce the use of plastic bags across Europe, with charges and taxation proposals being bounded around.

Posted by Lauren Steadman