The European Commission sent a formal request to the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy on 18 July, urging the three countries to integrate into their national legislations the EU regulations on the control of the dangers of accidents connected with certain dangerous substances. The regulations in questions are contained in Directive “Seveso II”, which aims at preventing or limiting the consequences of major industrial accidents through a series of preventive measures, including the preparation of emergency plans and public consultation. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer the defaulting member states to the European Court of Justice. The Commission intends to establish as soon as possible a legislative framework to prevent and limit the consequences of major accidents connected with dangerous substances. In particular, as far as Italy is concerned, the Commission, after carefully examining its national legislation, considers that it has not properly received the “Seveso” directive and its provisions on safety and inspection systems.
