Latvia has to justify a number of unfulfilled requirements of directives in the field of environmental protection

On Tuesday, the government plans to address several issues related to non-compliance with the requirements of directives in the field of environmental protection, according to the agenda of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Latvia has received a notification from the European Commission in an infringement procedure case, in which it is indicated that Latvia has not fulfilled its obligations in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive, or the so-called Habitats Directive.

For a long time, Latvia has not properly designated any of the 328 territories important in the European Community as a specially protected nature territory.

Latvia has also not set specific conservation objectives for these areas and the necessary conservation measures.

The second directive that is unlikely to be met is the directive on air quality and cleaner air for Europe. In connection with the observance of these requirements, it is planned to instruct the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development to prepare and submit to the government amendments to the regulations on air quality by 23 March 2021.

Another draft decision has been submitted to the government for consideration in connection with the infringement procedure reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development. However, this draft decision is not accompanied by any information explaining the nature of the infringement.

In accordance with the Law on Information Transparency, all draft Latvian positions have been granted restricted access status and will be considered in the closed part of the government meeting.

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