The Commission decided today to send letters of formal notice to Poland and Romania for not correctly incorporating certain aspects of the Offshore Safety Directive (Directive 2013/30/EU) into their legal systems.
In this Directive, the EU put in place a set of rules to help prevent accidents and respond promptly and efficiently should such accidents occur. Member States must ensure that companies to which they grant a licence for exploration or production are well-financed and have the necessary technical expertise, and that they keep resources available to put them into operation when necessary. An independent authority needs to be in place in order to ensure that safety requirements are respected, as well as an adequate system to handle compensation claims in case of accident. Companies are fully liable for environmental damages caused to protected species and natural habitats. The Member States concerned have two months to address the shortcomings identified by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to send a reasoned opinion.