In a statement, the EU executive states that Portugal has not fully aligned its national legislation with the European Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU) and stresses that “industrial activities can have a significant impact on the environment and health”.

The directive establishes rules that include the prevention or reduction of emissions into the air, water and soil, as well as the prevention of waste production.

Portugal has not fully aligned the definitions of “hazardous substances” and “existing installation” contained in its national legislation with the directive, according to the European Commission, also pointing out that the obligations of operators of industrial installations and competent authorities to take appropriate measures in the event of incidents or accidents have yet to be clearly defined.

The infringement procedure was initiated in 2022 and the Commission considered that the efforts of the Portuguese authorities to date have been insufficient, and therefore have decided to bring an action against Portugal before the CJEU.

In the area of ​​the environment, a letter of formal notice was also sent to Lisbon – which is opening an infringement procedure – for failing to fully comply with its obligations under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (Directive 91/271/EEC).

The directive requires urban wastewater to be collected and treated before being discharged into the environment, and “to date, in 20 agglomerations in Portugal, urban wastewater entering collection systems is not adequately treated before being discharged. In addition, three agglomerations are discharging urban wastewater into sensitive areas without the most rigorous treatment required”, highlights Brussels.