(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - Romania is not in line with the EU law on the sulphur content of marine fuels and now risks a daily fine of 38,000 euros per day until the problem will persist. The sulphur legislation aims to reduce the effects of air pollution from sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. Sulphur dioxide is a pollutant mainly emitted by ships.

As well as harming human health, the gas damages the environment and contributes to acid rain. Without the Sulphur Directive, emissions from shipping would soon surpass combined emissions from all land-based sources. Air pollution from docked ships is a major concern for many cities with ports in their efforts to meet the Union's air quality limit values. 17 months after the deadline for transposition, Romania has not transposed EU rules into its national legislation. Therefore, the EU Commission is asking the Court of Justice of the EU to impose a fine, which would be paid from the date of the Court ruling until Romania fully transposes the obligations of the Directives into national law. The final decision on the penalty rests with the EU Court which however cannot exceed the amount specified by the EU Commission. (ANSA).