Commission takes Belgium to court
20 Jun 2013
The European Commission is taking Belgium to court over its failure to implement the Directive on the investigation of maritime accidents.
In 2011 the Commission asked what measures had been taken by the Flemish Region and the Brussels Capital Region with regards to establishing an impartial permanent investigative body, endowed with the necessary powers, and staffed by suitably qualified investigators, competent in matters relating to marine casualties and incidents, as required by the directive.
However, Belgian authorities have failed to notify the Commission of measures taken so the Commission has proposed a daily fine of €55,265.28 to be paid from the date of the Court's affirmative ruling until Belgium notifies the Commission that it has fully implemented the rules into national law. The Commission says this takes into account the duration and the gravity of the infringement and the size of the Member State.
The final decision on the penalties rests with the Court of Justice.
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