Stern warning from European Commission regarding the rubbish in Corfu
European Commission
08 Mar 2019
/ 08:28
ATHENS. Greece once again on the receiving end of a warning - two months to give satisfactory explanations.
The European Commission has sent a letter to the Greek authorities with a stern warning regarding waste management in Corfu. According to the report in Kathimerini, this follows complaints (since summer 2018) that waste is no longer being collected or treated on the island, and that it is being left on the streets or "sent to undisclosed locations".
In 2008 member states agreed to protect public health and the environment from waste through the implementation of suitable waste management and processing measures.
The EC says, "The EU guideline encourages the reduction in use of landfills and an increase in recycling and the re-use of waste. The fact that measures have not been implemented to deal with the waste situation in Corfu is a clear violation of EU environmental laws".
The warning from the Commission has been interpreted as the first step in preliminary proceedings before being referred to the European Court. The second step is a reasoned opinion - which is sent if the country doesn't give satisfactory explanations within two months.
In 2008 member states agreed to protect public health and the environment from waste through the implementation of suitable waste management and processing measures.
The EC says, "The EU guideline encourages the reduction in use of landfills and an increase in recycling and the re-use of waste. The fact that measures have not been implemented to deal with the waste situation in Corfu is a clear violation of EU environmental laws".
The warning from the Commission has been interpreted as the first step in preliminary proceedings before being referred to the European Court. The second step is a reasoned opinion - which is sent if the country doesn't give satisfactory explanations within two months.
