VILNIUS, Jun 20, BNS - The Lithuanian government is making every effort to avoid a fine from the European Commission for too many people in the country still using outdoor toilets, Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Wednesday.

The Cabinet approved on Wednesday amendments to the Law on Drinking Water Supply and Waste Water Management that are a step toward averting a fine, Skvernelis said.  

"The government is doing its best. A step was made toward ensuring that Lithuania is not fined," he told reporters after the Cabinet's meeting. 

The prime minister could not say what fine Lithuania might face, but noted that it could amount to "millions".   

Deividas Kriauciunas, director general of the European Law Department, told the Cabinet that Lithuania might fail to have the infringement procedure cancelled and avoid a fine.

The EU's executive body in February 2017 initiated an infringement procedure against Lithuania for many households being not connected to centralized wastewater treatment systems.

The European Court of Justice may impose a fine amounting to millions of euros if the infringement is not removed. 

By Pranciskus Vaisvila

Vilnius newsroom, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +370 5 205 8511