Greece referred to EU Court over urban waste-water treatment failures

The European Commission has referred Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for failing to fully comply with the Urban Waste-Water Treatment Directive (Directive 91/271/EEC).

The Directive and Its Importance

The Urban Waste-Water Treatment Directive mandates EU Member States to ensure that urban waste water is properly collected and treated before being discharged into the environment. This legal instrument is crucial for safeguarding human health and preventing pollution of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. The Directive stipulates that towns and cities must establish adequate infrastructure to manage urban waste water effectively.

Greece’s Compliance Issues

Despite efforts over the years, Greece has shown shortcomings in complying with the Directive. According to the European Commission, 153 agglomerations in Greece have failed to meet the required standards for waste water collection and treatment:

• Waste Water Collection: Many areas lack proper waste water collection systems. Where individual systems like septic tanks are used, they do not achieve the required level of environmental protection.
• Secondary Treatment: In 143 agglomerations, Greece has not implemented secondary treatment processes necessary to treat organic matter in waste water before discharge.
• More Stringent Treatment: In one agglomeration, Greece has failed to apply the more stringent treatment required for discharges into sensitive areas.

To comply with the Directive, Greece needs to develop new infrastructure in several regions and upgrade existing facilities in others.

Enforcement and Previous Infringement Cases

This referral to the CJEU marks the fourth infringement case against Greece regarding the Urban Waste-Water Treatment Directive. Previous cases (INFR(1999)4336, INFR(2004)2030, and INFR(2011)2027) have led to fines and enforced compliance measures. Although Greece has addressed many issues, according to the Commission, substantial non-compliance persists, necessitating further legal action.

Implications and Future Steps

The Commission's referral aims to ensure that Greece fully fulfills its obligations under EU law, thereby protecting public health and the environment. The case highlights the necessity for consistent and effective implementation of environmental policies across the EU to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal, particularly the zero pollution ambition.

Greece has made considerable progress, bringing approximately 150 agglomerations into compliance with the Directive, often utilising EU co-financing. However, the continued shortcomings in 153 agglomerations indicate that more rigorous efforts are required.

Conclusion

As the case proceeds to the CJEU, it will be crucial to monitor not only the legal outcomes but also the practical steps taken by Greece to address these longstanding issues. This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in implementing EU law and the critical importance of waste water treatment in protecting public health and ecosystems.

The case underscores the need for a balanced approach that combines legal pressure with practical assistance to ensure the effective implementation of crucial environmental protections across the European Union.