The European Commission is requesting that Slovenia brings landfills in line with European Union legislation – Directive 1999/31/EC.
This is part of a horizontal exercise against several member states. Under EU law, landfilling should only be used as a last resort, and it can only be done under conditions that avoid impact on human health and the environment. Existing landfills either had to be upgraded to meet conditions to obtain an operating permit or to be closed and rehabilitated, the statement adds.
If Slovenia fails to act within two months, the case may be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.
Slovenia had agreed to do this by July 16, 2009, at the latest. While clear progress has been made – none of the non-compliant landfills are still operating, and Slovenia has become an EU recycling champion – some 35 existing landfills are still in breach of EU legislation, the bloc’s executive arm found. Landfill Oštri vrh for municipal waste which is currently not operating has yet to obtain a permit for operation. The other 34 existing that Slovenia agreed to close have not been closed nor rehabilitated. Following the first reasoned opinion issued in October 2012, the commission is now sending a second reasoned opinion. If Slovenia fails to act within two months, the case may be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU, the document adds.
In its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is announcing legal action against member states for failing to comply with obligations under EU law. The decisions, covering various sectors and policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses, the statement said.
