Brussels - The European Court of Justice has ruled that France is breaking EU law by maintaining a ban on British beef, Denis Staunton reports. But because the Court found that EU rules on beef exports were unclear, the Commission and the French government were ordered to share the costs.
The Commission took France to court after Paris refused to comply with an EU-wide easing of restrictions imposed on British beef exports because of BSE.
The Health and Food Safety Commissioner, Mr David Byrne, welcomed the Court's decision, which cannot be appealed.
"The decision vindicates the Commission's policies and stance. I expect France to implement the judgement and lift the ban on the import of British beef," he said.
If France does not lift the ban, the Commission can as the court to impose a daily fine. Fines are the ultimate sanction available and are only imposed if the Court has already ruled once on an issue.