The European parliament has voted to strengthen rules compelling companies to pay for the pollution they create. Orignially proposed by the European Commission in January 2002, the directive is aimed at ensuring that those who cause pollution "are held responsible" for their actions.

The parliament voted by 310 to 177 to approve amendments to the directive establishing common EU rules on liability for preventing and remedying damage to the environment. Those who backed the amendments called on the commission to approve the changed directive, which must then be formally adopted by the Council of Ministers.

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