EU directive to be strengthened

The European Parliament is reported to be on the verge of strengthening the proposed EU directive on environmental liability. A number of amendments may be on their way, including a broader definition of biodiversity damage, reducing the number of exemptions from clean up costs, extending the scope of the directive to eventually cover nuclear and sea pollution, and requiring those responsible for pollution to immediately prevent emissions and clean up any pollution, rather than waiting for a formal request from regulators.