The EC is to re-open the controversy over an EU-wide framework for environmental liability rules focused on the “polluter pays principle”, but limited to strict liability.
The Commissioners have given Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard the go-ahead to draw up a white paper detailing the options for an EU legal system.
But three years ago when the Commission published a green paper on the issue, it met with serious opposition from Germany, Britain, Denmark and France because of conflict with their national systems of dealing with decontamination.
Bjerregaard, under pressure from the European Parliament, is concerned that the longer an EU-wide framework is delayed, the more difficult it would be to implement. She said: “A key reason for proposing action at Community level is precisely the political momentum on new environmental liability rules currently in evidence within member states. Commission proposals would be a direct response by providing a focus around which member state regimes can converge.”
The Commission still has to decide whether any decision would be by majority vote or by unanimous vote.
EGi News 03/02/97
