Italy threatened with ECJ over impact assessment failings

摘要

Italy has been given two months to improve domestic law on environmental impact assessments (EIAs) or face being referred to the EU Court of Justice (ECJ). The European Commission said on 28 March that it was sending Italy a reasoned opinion - the second and final warning before a referral to the EU Court - asking it to ensure that Italian legislation is in line with EU rules on environmental impact assessments. "These assessments are intended to ensure that projects likely to have a significant impact on the environment are assessed before they are authorised, so that people are aware of the possible effects. The Commission's concerns include the definition of 'project' in Italian legislation, the provisions regarding public participation in EIA procedures, and the scope of certain project categories," a statement explained.