Nitrates in Brittany: the Commission backs down…
(B2) The Commission has finally decided not to refer France to the European Court of Justice for breaching the legislation on nitrates in water (communicated). A severe breach of its own rules! The Commission has, in fact, set itself the rule of not withdrawing a case when it has decided to ask the European Court of Justice to impose a fine or a penalty payment against a Member State. By playing on words, the Commission decided on the referral but did not send the letter. It thus gives France a precious sesame. However, the procedure is not stopped. It is “suspended” specifies Barbara Helfferich, spokesperson for the Commission. “The French file is not closed. We will examine in 2009 if France has returned to the standards”.
(NGV)
