This Thursday, July 19, the European Commission decided to strike hard by calling to order different Member States of the Union regarding their commitments on the environment.
Spain and Portugal have been asked to adopt strategic noise maps and noise management action plans, in line with the requirements of the European directive on the assessment and management of environmental noise. (2002/49 / EC). This directive requires the Member States, in particular, to draw up and publish maps every five years on noise exposure in large conurbations, along major rail and road axes and around major airports, with a view to reduce noise pollution. Noise emitted into the environment is the second leading cause of premature death.
Spain has also been asked for a reasoned opinion from the Commission for persistent non-compliance in the Canary Islands with the 2007 Directive on Flood Risk Assessment and Management (Directive 2007/60 / THIS). The transposition of this directive was to be carried out by 22 March 2016 at the latest. However, to date, Spain has still not notified the Commission of its risk management plans for the seven river basin districts of the Canary Islands. This is despite a letter of formal notice that the Commission sent to this Member State in March 2018. The Spanish authorities now have two months to respond adequately, otherwise the Commission will be able to translate Spain before the Court of Justice of the EU.
Finally, Romania is not left out since the Commission has ordered it to transpose the European directive on the limitation of emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants from medium combustion plants (Directive (EU) 2015/2193). This text sets limit values for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions and introduces carbon monoxide monitoring rules in the interest of public health and safety. of the environment.
The fight for the environment is necessary and the Commission is watching.
Jean-Hugues Migeon
For further information
On the Environmental situation in Spain – OECD Website
On the Environmental situation in Portugal – OECD Website
https://www.oecd.org/portugal/
On the Environmental situation in Romania – OECD Website
https://www.oecd.org/countries/romania/
European Commission Website –
http://europa.eu/rapid/search-result.htm?page=1&subQuery=53&format=HTML&size=10&locale=EN
