WRITTEN QUESTION E-1911/96 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (11 July 1996)

Subject: Environmental impact assessments and Trans-European Network projects

Since environmental protection for the TENs will rely on Member States' observance of the EIA Directive 85/337/EEC ((OJ L 175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. )) and habitat Directive 92/43/EEC ((OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. )), what steps is the Commission taking to ensure that both these directives are fully transposed into all Member States' national legislation?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (19 September 1996)

The Commission has used its powers under Article 169 EC Treaty to take legal action against Member States which have not communicated any legislation in respect of these directives.

The Commission also tries to ensure that any relevant legislation that is communicated to it by Member States is in conformity with these directives. A number of legal actions have been started where national legislation has been found to be deficient.