European Commission Keeps Member States Up to Scratch

Two articles attracted my eye this week, showing that the European Commission is keeping its beady eye on what is going on and ensuring that there's no backsliding by member states. For instance, in animal welfare, we learn that the Commission has decided to refer Greece to the European Court of Justice for failure to implement properly and to enforce EU legislation on animal welfare in transport and at slaughter.

This action against Greece follows persistent short-comings identified in the field of animal welfare over a number of years. The standard of animal welfare in Greece remains below par, says the Commission, and the necessary legislation to improve matters has not been adequately implemented.

Among the Commission's concerns is the failure of the Greek authorities to implement EU Directives on animals in transit and on welfare at the time of slaughter. There are no adequate facilities at or near the Greek ferry ports for animals that have undergone long journeys and Greek controls were found to be insufficient to ensure the correct application of the EU rules on slaughtering rules such as the appropriate stunning of animals. Full marks to the Commission!

In the second case, the European Commission is taking Poland to the European Court of Justice over the construction of the Augustow and Wasilkow road bypasses that cut through the Rospuda Valley, damaging important primeval woodland and other habitats of European importance. As construction work has already started the Commission is asking the Court to make Poland to suspend the works immediately.

Nice to know someone is standing up for the environment!

Posted by Peter Sain ley Berry