(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, FEBRUARY 26 - A major cement factory in Slovenia is still operating without the necessary permit, and potentially endangering citizens' health. This is why the European Commission is referring Slovenia back to the European Court of Justice and asking for fines to be imposed.

In 2010 the EU Court ruled that Slovenia was failing in its obligation to ensure that all installations operate in line with EU rules on pollution prevention and control. Four years after that judgement, the Commission is asking for a daily penalty payment of 9,009 euros from today until the obligations are fulfilled and a lump sum of 1,604,603 euros.

Under the IPPC Directive, industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential must be licensed.

These permits have been a legal requirement since 30 October 2007 for all IPPC installations existing on the date of Slovenia's accession to the EU. Although considerable progress has been made since the 2010 Court ruling, full compliance with the judgment has still not been reached. (ANSA)