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EUOBSERVER / STRASBOURG
In a tough battle between the political groups, MEPs voted on Wednesday, 14 May, in favour of making firms financially liable for damages they cause to the environment.
Lobbied heavily by environmental and industry groups, the report was adopted by 310 in favour, 177 against with 23 abstentions. But some controversial amendments saw the House very much split.
By wafer thin margins, MEPs gave their support to amendments designed to strengthen the proposals. Safeguards were placed on all protected species and sites, and businesses are now required to take out insurance against the costs of possible damage.
MEPs also chose to extend the proposed European Commission directive to nuclear and sea pollution.
They furthermore gave individuals the right to go to court to secure action if there is an imminent threat to the environment, much to the annoyance of the rapporteur himself, Dutch Liberal MEP Toine Manders, who drafted the report.
"NGOs will have direct access to court. It's a pity as it can disturb our legal certainty," he said after the vote.
Local tax payers pay for clean up
The EU has been spurred into action by public outcry stemming from the devastating oil spills caused by the Erica and Prestige tankers.
Local taxpayers often had to pay the main cost of the clean up from oil, chemical or mining accidents rather than those responsible.
But there are also exemptions. If businesses work with state-of-the-art equipment or in accordance with permits, they may not be liable to pay. Moreover, farmers will be able to use 'good agricultural practice' as a defence.
The report will now be discussed by the EU environment ministers on 13 June, but Toine Manders fears that the lack of qualified majority in the House on some amendments will not give it the necessary strength to be considered by the EU environment ministers.
"I am not happy, but satisfied," Mr Manders said.
Eurochambres, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry told EUobserver that at first glance, the European Parliament decision "will not assist European business and will make them less competitive on the world stage."
They also hope that the EU Environment Ministers "will find a more reasonable and realistic solution."
Conversely environmental groups are pleased and say they hope that the Council will take on board the significant improvements made to the directive.
Press Articles Ansa BBC
Written by Sharon Spiteri
Edited by Andrew Beatty
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