EU 'will take action over Malta air quality data'

The European Commission has warned Maltese officials that it is prepared to take action over the island's lack of an air quality plan.

Member of the European Parliament Simon Busuttil recently demanded a formal investigation into air pollution in the country, having also submitted a petition bearing the signatures of concerned residents to the EU.

According to the Times of Malta, environment commissioner Janez Potocnik has now reminded the Maltese authorities of their failure to submit an annual air quality report for 2008.

The Commission is also waiting for Malta to implement an up-to-date air quality plan.

Mr Potocnik said that the island's government had been "reminded of their obligation to provide this data without further delay".

He added: "If necessary, the Commission will take appropriate enforcement action to ensure that this data is submitted."

Infringement procedures against Malta prompted by PM10, the 2005 EU directive on acceptable levels of particulate matter in the air, are already underway.

Posted by Claire Manning