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EU launches tool to help member states comply with environmental legislation

Xinhua, May 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

The European Commission said Friday it launched an implementation tool to help European Union (EU) member states comply with environmental legislation.

The Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) would give the first comprehensive overview on the state-of-play of how key environmental policies and laws have been implemented on the ground in member states of the EU.

The aim of this process is to help member states comply with the rules, anticipate problems and identify solutions and priorities before formal infringement proceedings are initiated, said the Commission in a press release.

The EIR is to publish country-specific reports every two years, focusing on essential topics in the area of environmental legislation, based on which high level discussions in the Environment Council are envisioned on significant implementation gaps common to several member states.

Full implementation of EU environmental legislation could save the EU economy 50 billion euros (56 billion U.S. dollars) every year in health costs and direct costs to the environment, estimated the Commission.

"The Environmental Implementation Review shows that grassroots efforts help environmental policies to take hold ... We need to step up our work with member states to close the gaps. The earlier we act, the less costly it will be," said European Commissioner Karmenu Vella for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries. Endit