EU warns four countries over CO2 plans

BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (Reuters) The European Commission today issued final warnings to four countries for flouting EU energy rules by failing to submit national allocation plans for carbon dioxide emissions on time.

Austria, Denmark, Hungary and Italy were sent ''reasoned opinions'', the final step before being taken to the European Court of Justice -- Europe's highest court.

The Commission said it was also taking action against seven member states ''for failing to provide complete reports on their progress in limiting or cutting greenhouse gas emissions''.

The seven were France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Luxembourg and Spain.

The Commission also said it was taking Finland, Sweden and Portugal to the European Court of Justice for failing to ensure proper treatment of urban waste water in a significant number of towns and cities.

Reuters SHB RN2009