29 September 2011: The European Commission has called on Italy to take measures to stop continued illegal use of drift-nets, which is in violation of an October 2009 Court of Justice ruling on Italy’s failure to adequately control and enforce the EU ban on the use of drift-nets. Recent on-site inspections carried out by the Commission did not show significant improvements as compared to the situation before 2009.

If no satisfactory actions are taken by Italy within two months of the Commission’s letter, the Commission may refer this case to the Court of Justice again, this time asking the Court to impose significant financial penalties on Italy. [EU Press Release]