Press Release: Environmental liability: Commission welcomes agreement on new Directive

The European Commission has welcomed the agreement on the groundbreaking Environmental Liability Directive that has been reached in conciliation by the European Parliament and the Council. It will enable the proposed Directive to be swiftly adopted. Agreement on an EU measure on environmental liability has been sought since the late 1980s. The new Directive is the first EU law specifically based on the 'polluter pays principle'. It will ensure that future environmental damage in the EU is prevented or remedied and that those who cause it are held responsible. Environmental damage includes damage to animals, plants, natural habitats and water resources as well as contamination of land which causes significant harm to human health.

ESO: In Focus: MEPs vote to make polluters pay, May 2003 http://www.europeansources.info/record/meps-vote-to-make-polluters-pay-may-2003/

http://ec.europa.eu/comm/environment/liability/ http://ec.europa.eu/comm/environment/liability/

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