Toxic sludge tests Brussels pollution law

Hungary’s spill of toxic sludge in October 2010 will provide the first serious test of the European legislation designed to ensure polluters pay for environmental damage they cause, according to experts.

It could also increase pressure on European Union governments to force industrial companies to make financial provisions against the risk of serious environmental accidents.

ESO: Background information: Directive 2004/35/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage http://www.europeansources.info/record/directive-2004-35-ce-of-the-european-parliament-and-of-the-council-of-21-april-2004-on-environmental-liability-with-regard-to-the-prevention-and-remedying-of-environmental-damage/

European Commission: DG Environment: Legislation: Liability: Environmental Liability http://ec.europa.eu/environment/legal/liability/index.htm

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