On July 10, 1976, the ICMESA factory, located in the municipality of Meda, caused the release of a dioxin cloud affecting Meda and the neighbouring municipalities, particularly impacting the Municipality of Seveso, as well as the territories of Cesano Maderno and Desio.
The event was a very serious environmental disaster and deeply marked collective consciousness. The accident received wide national and international attention, stimulating research in epidemiology, environmental recovery, and industrial safety, and leading to the creation of the European Seveso Directives, a cornerstone of European legislation on the prevention of major accident risks, which constitutes a very advanced and effective regulatory framework for the prevention of environmental risks.
Inspired by the Seveso Directives, the Lombardy Region developed legislative and administrative measures related to epidemiology and environmental protection.
Lombardy Region, together with the European Commission and the municipalities most directly affected by the consequences of the 1976 accident, intends to take the occasion of the anniversary not only to remember the event but also to highlight the resilience and the path of rebirth of the territory, emphasizing the positive effects and the collaboration among institutions, companies, research bodies, associations and citizens that have resulted. Moreover, it will also be an opportunity to capitalize on the wealth of knowledge and experience gained from this event.
The European Committee of the Regions is hosting the event but is not responsible for its content.
Venue
European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
Conference room JDE 51, 5th floor of JDE-Bâtiment Jacques Delors
Rue Belliard 101, B-1040, Brussels