EU cracks whip over environment

[Eugene]

Last Updated: Monday, 11 July, 2005, 16:26 GMT 17:26 UK

EU cracks whip over environment

The European Commission has issued a final warning to several EU
member states for failing to comply with EU rules on the environment.

The warning is the final step before the Commission launches a case at
the European Court of Justice.

Twelve countries were criticised for failing to conduct proper
environmental impact assessments for major projects.

Another eight - including the UK - were told to comply over the
disposal of electrical waste, such as old PCs.

The EU's top court can impose fines on countries which are found to be
in breach of EU directives.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4672997.stm