THE HAGUE, 27/03/07 - The Netherlands was found guilty of non-compliance with EU obligations fewer times than any other EU country in 2006.

The European Court of Justice awarded just one non-compliance verdict against the Netherlands in 2006. Luxembourg had its knuckles rapped most often, with 19 verdicts. Italy (13 times) and Spain (10 times) were also regularly admonished, the Court noted in its annual report.

The European Commission launched five new proceedings against the Netherlands in 2006. This is also few compared with other EU countries.