Formal notice letter sent to Maltese Government
Today the EU has opened an infringement procedure against Malta in relation to Environmental Impact Assessment, whereby the Commission calls on Malta to improve domestic rules.
Among others, the key issues include incorrect enactment of public information and consultation requirements in the context of the environmental impact assessment procedure, and incorrect national provisions of requirements on the content of development consent.
Via this announcement, the Commission decided to send a letter of formal notice to Malta, giving our Government two months to reply to the arguments raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to send a reasoned opinion.
Martin Galea De Giovanni, Director of Friends of the Earth Malta said “this announcement couldn’t have come at a better time considering the current planning situation in this country. We now ask government to make this letter public in order to be transparent about the requests being made and indicate how they will provide checks and balances in order to make our planning processes relevant”
This communication was made by the EU Commission in its monthly package of infringement decisions, whereby it pursues legal action against Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of European citizens.