Taking legal action against member states for systemic breaches of environmental law rather than individual cases has led to a more efficient infringements process, the European Commission has said.

Eleven member states have received reasoned opinions over their failure to fully transpose key EU rules on renewable energy and energy efficiency, the European Commission announced on Thursday.

Individuals may be able to claim compensation from their governments if they can prove illegally high air pollution has damaged their health, an adviser to the EU’s top court has said.

Malta and Poland face legal action at the EU’s top court after the European Commission accused them of breaching the Urban Waste Water Directive.

The European Commission has warned Spain in a strongly worded letter that it will take immediate action, including requesting a fine, if the Andalusian parliament approves a proposed amnesty for illegal agricultural irrigation in the protected Doñana wetland area.

After years fighting illegal logging, green campaigners have warned of a new threat to Poland’s Bialowieza Forest, a UNESCO world heritage site that forms part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network.

Romania, Germany and Spain have been referred to the EU’s top court over poor air quality, inadequate nature protection and nitrates pollution respectively, the European Commission has announced in its latest infringement package.

The Portuguese government will have to answer for breaching air pollution limits, the European Commission has announced in its latest monthly infringement package.