THE HAGUE, 25/05/06 - The Netherlands is to appeal via accelerated proceedings against the European Commission's refusal to allow it to require carbon filters on all new diesel cars.

The Netherlands failed to win the European Commission's approval a month ago for introducing the carbon filters unilaterally. It can only introduce them when the entire EU does so, expected to be in 2009. Earlier introduction in the Netherlands would distort the internal market, according to European Commissioner Verheugen (Industry).

Environment State Secretary Pieter van Geel (Milieu) now wants to force a clear decision on whether the Netherlands can have its way after all by the year-end via accelerated proceedings. The cabinet also announced Wednesday to encourage voluntary installation of filters by raising the subsidy by 100 euros to 500 euros from July.