http://www.packagingnews.co.uk
Slovakia is failing to comply with EU legislation on packaging waste and faces being brought before the European Court, Brussels said.
In a statement last week, the European Commission said it was concerned over Slovakia’s failure to comply with the Packaging Waste Directive and issued a reasoned opinion to the country.
The Eastern European country could also face potential fines.
Background
The directive requires member states to prevent the formation of packaging waste, to ensure that the weight and volume of packaging placed on the market is limited to the minimum, and to develop packaging reuse systems reducing their impact on the environment. It also introduces recovery and recycling targets for glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastics and wood packaging.
Following a warning in November 2010, the Commission highlighted a raft of shortfalls that Slovakia has failed to remedy.
According to the information available to the Commission, Slovakia has not yet transposed correctly several provisions of the Directive.
Recycling
The EC said Slovak legislation does not sufficiently encourage the recycling and the use of recycled materials, and nor does it prioritise energy recovery when it is preferable to material recycling for environmental and cost-benefit reasons.
In addition, Slovak law contains some provisions that restrict competiton in relation to packaging and packaging waste. The Commission sent Slovakia a letter of formal notice on 25 November 2010.
‘Concerns about the pace of change’
Slovakia has agreed to amend its domestic law but the Commission said that it has concerns about the pace of change and is therefore sending a reasoned opinion.
Slovakia has two months to respond and if they do not they may be referred to the EU Court of Justice, the EC said. “If the Court rules against Slovakia, it must then take the necessary measure to comply with the judgment.”
Hefty fines
Further refusal by Slovakia to co-operate could then results in the court imposing financial penalties “based on the severity of the infringement and the size of the member state and a daily penalty payment for each day after a second court ruling until the infringement ends”, explained the EC.
The news comes as France also faces pressure from the Commission to comply with the Packaging Waste Directive. The EC cautioned France in January and last October it sent a similar warning to Poland.
Tel:886-2-28941823 Fax:886-2-28941837 E-mail:viya@packsourcing.com
Copyright Notice © 2015 New Insight Publishing Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Powered by Packsourcing