Control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances. Seveso II

The committee adopted a draft recommendation by Mr David BOWE (PES, UK) for a second reading, under the cooperation procedure, of the common position of the Council on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances. The recommendation, which contains amendments by the committee aimed at improving the common position, is expected to be considered by the House during the part-session from 15 to 19 July. The two previous amending directives were 87/216/EEC and 88/610/EEC. In its amendments to the Council's common position, the committee insisted that, in order to limit the cross-border consequences of accidents, there had to be effective information exchange and early warning systems based on the harmonization of national principles and practices governing safety reports. The committee also insisted that the 'polluter pays' principle apply to accidents and was also adamant that "near misses" as well as actual incidents be included within the scope of the directive.