"To check the quality of the waters states the Report on water pollution in the EU member states , tests are conducted against a number of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters, for which the Bathing Waters Directive establishes imperative standards". The member states must abide by such standards, "but they can enforce stricter rules". The monitored areas are over 21 thousand, two thirds of which are coastal while the others are in the inland. In 2006, the states removed 88 coastal areas and 166 inland areas from their national lists, based on the regulations laid down by the Directive. The Commission "is concerned that, in some cases, some bathing areas may be removed to hide pollution problems and artificially increase the statistics about the fulfilment of requirements, instead of addressing the problem at the source". In addition, the Executive has started proceedings, some time ago, for breaches of the law against 11 member states (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) for removing some areas from their lists. Finally, a word about the new member states, which, according to the EU Report, have a higher water pollution rate than the 15-member EU.
