(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, 26 APRIL - The EU Commission gave an
ultimatum to Italy and Malta on the fight to climate change: the
two countries must comply with the laws on fluorinated gases,
powerful greenhouse gases contained in air conditioners,
refrigerators and isolating foams. The European executive has
asked to send a reasoned opinion: if Rome and Valletta fail to
give a satisfactory response within two months, the cases might
be referred to the EU Court of Justice. Contrary to the
Regulation's requirements, Italy and Malta have not notified the
Commission of their training and certification requirements for
companies and personnel involved in activities concerning
fluorinated greenhouse gases. Italy has also failed to notify
its rules on penalties in case a provision of the Regulation is
infringed. The EU is acting on two fronts: avoiding fluorinated
greenhouse gases in some applications in which more
environment-friendly and cost-effective alternatives are
available and reducing leakage from equipment containing
fluorinated greenhouse gases. Measures include: labelling of
equipment, training and certification of companies and personnel
handling such gases, containment and recovery. (ANSAmed).
