How does Italy compare to other member countries in implementing EU environmental law?
Italy is lagging. Dumping toxic waste is not a felony in Italy. In March, 2001, under the previous center-left government, a new law against trafficking was passed. But in the meantime, the current [center-right] government has decriminalized some environmental actions and redefined certain categories of material as nonwaste. That has prompted the European Commission to undertake infraction procedures against Italy, which could result in a court case. Waste has clear definitions under EU law that can’t be changed by national governments. Q: What is the bigger problem in cracking down on waste trafficking: Industrial lobbies that don’t want to pay more for waste disposal, or organized crime, which infiltrates public administration and intimidates authorities from taking action? A: The criminal element is the bigger problem. Q: Should the EU intervene? A: At the EU level are two pieces of legislation under scrutiny on eco-crime. We are very hopeful it will be possible to implement them.
