Meer documenten
December infringements package: key decisions
Overview by policy area
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission takes legal action against Member States that fail to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The key decisions taken by the Commission are presented below and grouped by policy area. The Commission is also closing 84 cases where the issues with the Member States concerned have been solved. In these cases, the Commission does not have to pursue the infringement procedure further. The Commission's enforcement activities and Member States' compliance with EU law can be followed through interactive maps and customisable graphs. For more details on the history of a case or to access the full database of infringement decisions, the infringement decisions' register is open for consultation. And more information on the EU infringement procedure can be found in the following Q&A.
1. Environment
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 229 54673)
Letters of formal notice
Commission calls on Belgium to correctly transpose the Drinking Water Directive
The Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium (INFR(2025)2179) for failing to correctly transpose the Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184), which aims at improving water resilience across the EU and achieving the EU's zero pollution ambition. The recast Drinking Water Directive protects human health by updating water quality standards, tackling pollutants of concern, such as endocrine disruptors and microplastics, and providing rules for cleaner tap water. The Directive also introduces rules aiming to reduce water leakages, while at present, on average, 30% of the drinking water is lost during distribution in the EU. Member States were required to transpose the Directive by 12 January 2023. The conformity check of the national legislations has revealed instances of non-conform transposition in the three regions of Belgium and at the federal level. These relate, for example, to the content of risk assessments carried out by national authorities as regards risks from domestic distribution systems, the drinking water quality monitoring and mandatory information to be provided to the public. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Belgium to correctly transpose the Waste Framework Directive
The Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium (INFR(2025)2188) for failing to correctly transpose the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC as amended by Directive 2018/851/EU). The Waste Framework Directive is the EU's framework legislation aiming to prevent or reduce waste generation, reducing overall impacts of resource use and improving the efficiency when resources, which are crucial for the transition to a circular economy, are used. The amended Directive sets binding targets for recycling and preparing municipal waste for reuse. It also introduces requirements for Member States to improve their waste management systems and the efficiency of resource use. The deadline for Member States to transpose the amended Directive into their national legislation was on 5 July 2020. The Commission has found that the three Belgian regions have not correctly transposed several provisions of the Directive as amended. In particular, the transposition of provisions on extended producer responsibility (‘EPR') schemes in Wallonia is incomplete, as the Walloon legislation does not establish all the minimum requirements of EPR for producers of electric and electronic waste, waste batteries, waste cars and other waste. Moreover, the rules on calculating the attainment of the waste reduction and waste recycling targets are not sufficiently precise in the Flemish and Walloon respective legislations. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Germany to bring its regional legislation into line with the Landfill Directive
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Germany (INFR(2025)2183 for failing to correctly transpose the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850). The Landfill Directive sets requirements on landfills to prevent adverse effects on human health, water, soil and air. Under this Directive, Member States must take measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled. The Landfill Directive fixes a target to reduce landfilling of municipal waste to 10% by 2035 and sets rules on calculating the completion of the landfill reduction target. Compliance with this legislation supports the creation of a market for secondary material. The Commission has identified several problems with the way in which the attainment of the waste targets is calculated according to German legislation, particularly in relation to waste that is exported and waste produced during recovery operations. Moreover, the Commission is concerned that the German rules on the measuring of the impact of landfills on the quality of the surrounding water bodies (as regards where measuring stations are located, rules on sampling frequency and parameters) are not in line with the Directive. These shortcomings risk undermining the protection of the environment and human health. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Germany which now has two months to respond. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to send a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Italy to comply with its obligations under the Ambient Air Quality Directive as regards NO2 pollution in Naples and Palermo
The Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Italy (INFR(2025)2187) for failing to respect its obligations under the Ambient Air Quality Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC). The Ambient Air Quality Directive sets limit values for several air pollutants to be complied with by Member States, including for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Where concentrations of NO2 in the air exceed these limit values, the Directive requires Member States to adopt air quality plans to achieve compliance in the shortest delay possible. The agglomerations of Naples and Palermo have been exceeding the limit values for NO2 for several years and the adopted air quality plans are not appropriate to achieve compliance in a short timeframe. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Italy, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission calls on Bulgaria to improve its treatment of waste
Today, the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Bulgaria (INFR(2021)2167) for failing to correctly apply the Landfill Directive (Directive 1999/31/EC as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850) and the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC, as amended by Directive(EU)2018/851). The Landfill Directive sets standards for landfills to prevent adverse effects on human health, water, soil and air. Under this Directive, Member States must take measures to ensure that only waste that has been subject to treatment is landfilled. Under the Waste Framework Directive, Member States must recover and dispose of waste in a manner that does not endanger human health and the environment. It prohibits the abandonment, dumping or uncontrolled disposal of waste. The rate of separate collection of municipal waste is still low in Bulgaria, with the result that most of the generated waste is landfilled. According to the available statistical data published by the National Statistical Institute, in 2023, 24% of the generated waste (amounting to 757 000 tons) was directly landfilled without any pre-treatment. This is only a slight improvement upon 2018 data and the situation is still not adequately addressed. Furthermore, the capacity of installations for treatment of waste before landfilling is still insufficient in Bulgaria. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Bulgaria in November 2021. The identified shortcomings have not yet been remedied. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Bulgaria, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Cyprus to ensure periodic review of water permits
Today, the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Cyprus (INFR(2024)2227) for failing to comply with the Water Framework Directive and the obligation to carry out periodic reviews of water permits. Full implementation of EU water quality requirements is key to protecting human health and the environment. The Directive requires Member States to establish a programme of measures for each river basin district to ensure good status of European water bodies, such as rivers and lakes. Each programme must include measures to control different types of pressures affecting water bodies, such as water abstraction and diffuse pollution sources. Member States are required to periodically review these control measures, including any permits granted, to determine whether they still achieve their objectives and, if necessary, update them. In Cyprus, national legislation does not impose any periodic review, which demonstrates a situation of bad transposition of the Water Framework Directive. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Cyprus in November 2024. In its reply, Cyprus acknowledged the need to modify its national legislation, however, such legislative modification has still not been adopted. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Cyprus, which has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Finland to improve its national rules on the prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Finland (INFR(2020)2218) for failing to bring its national legislation fully in line with the Seveso III Directive (Directive 2012/18/EU). The Directive aims to prevent major accidents and to limit their negative impact on human health and the environment. The Seveso III Directive covers more than 12,000 industrial installations in the European Union where dangerous substances are used or stored in large quantities. It applies to a wide range of sectors, such as the chemical and petrochemical industry, and the fuel wholesale and storage sectors. Under the Directive, different safety regimes apply depending on the amount of dangerous substances present in the installations, with stricter legal requirements for those handling high amounts. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Finland in July 2020. Despite some progress, Finland has still not correctly transposed provisions concerning access to information, access to justice, and the coordination of inspections. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Finland, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Croatia to bring its legislation in line with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
The European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Croatia (INFR(2019)2022) for failing to correctly transpose the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU). The EIA Directive guarantees environmental protection and transparency regarding the decision-making process for various public and private projects. Under the EIA Directive, major building or development projects in the EU must be subject to an assessment if they are likely to have significant impact on the environment, and such an assessment must be done before the project can start. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Croatia in March 2019. However, the Croatian legislation still includes neither the screening criteria for determining whether a project requires an environmental impact assessment, nor an obligation to the effect that the development consent decision includes environmental conditions, project features, or measures designed to avoid, prevent, reduce, or offset significant adverse effects. Additionally, the requirements to implement mitigation or compensation measures and establish procedures for monitoring significant adverse effects are missing. Therefore, the Commission decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Croatia, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Italy to monitor and prevent bycatch of cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds in fishing activities
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Italy (INFR(2023)2181) for failing to implement the measures required under the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) to monitor and prevent bycatch of cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds in fishing activities. Bycatch is the incidental capture of non-targeted species in fishing activities. The Habitats Directive requires Member States to monitor incidental capture and killing of strictly protected species and to ensure that it does not have a significant negative impact on the species concerned. Member States must also take appropriate steps to avoid significant disturbance of species protected in Natura 2000 sites designated under the Birds (Directive 2009/147/EC) and Habitats Directives. Italy has not established an effective system to monitor the bycatch of species, such as the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), both protected under the Habitats Directive. Italy has also failed to carry out further research and to take conservation measures to ensure that incidental capture and killing does not have a significant negative impact on protected species. Furthermore, Italy has failed to take appropriate steps to avoid significant disturbance, due to risk of bycatch, of several marine and seabird species such as the Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), the Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan), the European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus), and the Mediterranean shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmaresti)) in the Natura 2000 sites designated for their protection. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy in February 2024. However, after assessing the reply of Italy, the above-mentioned obligations are still not complied with. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Italy, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Italy to correctly transpose the Waste Framework Directive as amended
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Italy (INFR(2024)2097) for failing to correctly transpose the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC as amended by Directive 2018/851/EU) into national legislation. The Waste Framework Directive is the EU's framework legislation aiming to prevent or reduce waste generation, reducing overall impacts of resource use and improving the efficiency when resources are used. The amended Directive sets binding targets for recycling and preparing municipal waste for reuse. It also introduces requirements for Member States to improve their waste management systems and the efficiency of resource use. The deadline for Member States to transpose the amended Directive into their national legislation was 5 July 2020. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy in July 2024 for incorrect transposition of the amended Waste Framework Directive. Following the reply of Italy, the Commission found that several provisions of that Directive are still incorrectly transposed, in particular those regarding extended producer responsibility, high-quality recycling, separate collection of hazardous waste and the minimum requirements to be included in the waste management plans. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Italy, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Romania to reduce air pollutant emissions
Today, the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Romania (INFR(2022)2079) for not respecting the emission reduction commitment for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and for not taking sufficient measures to ensure compliance with the required emission reductions, as set out in Directive (EU) 2016/2284 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (‘the NEC Directive'). The NEC Directive sets national emission reduction commitments for several air pollutants to be attained by each Member State each year between 2020 and 2029, and more ambitious reduction commitments for 2030 onwards. Member States are also required to establish and update National Air Pollution Control Programmes (NAPCPs) to show how these reduction commitments will be met. In January 2023, based on the NAPCPs and national emission inventories submitted in 2022, the Commission sent letters of formal notice to fourteen Member States that had not fulfilled their 2020 emission reduction obligations. Further to the letter of formal notice issued to Romania in January 2023, the Commission sent an additional letter of formal notice in November 2023. Based on the national emission inventories submitted by Romania between 2022 and 2025 – covering emission data up to 2023 – Romania continues to exceed the emission reduction commitment for PM2.5 applicable for the period 2020–2029. In addition, Romania's NAPCP, adopted in February 2023 after a delay of almost four years, does not contain sufficient measures to ensure compliance with the required emission reductions. Therefore, the Commission decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Romania, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Slovenia to ensure compliance with the Water Framework Directive
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Slovenia (INFR(2024)2170) for failing to ensure compliance of its national law with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the obligation to carry out periodic reviews of water permits.Full implementation of EU water quality requirements is key to protecting human health and the environment. The Directive requires Member States to establish a programme of measures for each river basin district to ensure good status of European water bodies, such as rivers and lakes. Each programme must include measures to control different types of pressures affecting water bodies, such as water abstraction and diffuse pollution sources. Member States are required to periodically review these control measures, including any permits granted, to determine whether they still achieve their objectives and, if necessary, update them. In Slovenia, controls over abstractions of water, review of permits and concessions are only done when monitoring or controls triggers them. If there is no such trigger, the review will not happen. Considering that permits are granted for periods up to 30 years and concessions for up to 50 years, the potential period without any mandatory, fixed review would be unproportionally long. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Slovenia in July 2024. However, after assessing the reply of Slovenia, the Commission concludes that Slovenian legislation still does not ensure periodical review of permits. Therefore, the Commission decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Slovenia, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer Slovenia to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Referrals to the Court of Justice
Commission decides to refer Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to properly assess projects that may have a significant impact on Natura 2000 sites
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Portugal (INFR(2024)2050) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to properly assess plans and projects that may have a significant impact on Natura 2000 sites, as required by the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC). Any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of a Natura 2000 site but likely to have a significant effect thereon must be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. The competent national authorities can agree to the plan or project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned. Exceptionally, plans or projects adversely affecting the sites can be approved in the absence of alternative solutions, if there exist imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, provided that all compensatory measures are taken which are necessary to ensure the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network. The Court of Justice of the European Union has clarified that compensatory measures cannot be taken into account during the assessment of whether or not a plan or project is likely to have significant impact on Natura 2000 sites. However, the Portuguese legislation allows for considering compensatory measures when assessing the likelihood of significant impacts, thereby undermining the outcome of the assessment. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Portugal in May 2024 and a reasoned opinion in May 2025. Portugal agreed to amending the national law to address the Commission's concerns but to date, Portugal has not made any progress. The Commission considers that efforts by the Portuguese authorities have been insufficient and is therefore referring Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union. More information is in the press release.
Commission decides to refer Romania to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with EU air monitoring obligations
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Romania (INFR(2017)2024) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to comply with its obligations under the Ambient Air Quality Directives (Directive 2008/50/EC and Directive 2004/107/EC). Under the Directives, Member States must assess ambient air quality in accordance with detailed requirements concerning the number, type and location of sampling points, as well as data-quality objectives. These monitoring obligations are essential to ensure appropriate measurements of key pollutants and to underpin effective air-quality management. However, Romania has not ensured that its national air-quality monitoring network meets these legal requirements. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Romania in June 2017 and an additional letter of formal notice in July 2019. The Commission issued a reasoned opinion to Romania in June 2023, but the necessary changes have still not been completed. Having assessed Romania's latest air-quality data, the Commission concluded that, despite the measures taken by the Romanian authorities — including efforts to modernise the National Air Quality Monitoring Network — significant compliance gaps remain. These include shortcomings in the appropriate number of sampling points, and failures to meet data-quality objectives. The shortcomings concern key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), heavy metals, and benzoapyrene. As a result, Romania's monitoring network does not provide complete and reliable information on air quality, as required under EU law. The Commission considers that efforts by the Romanian authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Romania to the Court of Justice of the European Union. More information is in the press release.
Commission decides to refer Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with EU rules for treating urban waste water
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Portugal (INFR(2022)2028) and INFR(2024)2193) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (Directive 91/271/EEC). Untreated urban waste water can put human health at risk and pollute lakes, rivers, soil and coastal and groundwater. The Directive protects both water quality and human health by requiring that Member States collect and treat their urban waste water before it is discharged into the environment. Under the Directive, Member States must have collecting systems for agglomerations with a population of 2 000 and more. Moreover, Member States must apply secondary treatment to urban waste water before discharge. In case of large agglomerations (population of 10 000 and more) that discharge in a zone sensitive to eutrophication, more stringent treatment is required. This includes the removal of nitrates or phosphorus, which act as fertilisers. The Commission services regularly assess the data submitted by Portugal in accordance with the Directive. The two cases referred to the Court today, INFR(2022)2028 and INFR(2024)2193, are based on the information submitted by Portugal in 2020 and 2022, respectively. As regards INFR(2022)2028, based on information submitted by Portugal in 2020, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Portugal in September 2023. Despite some progress, 11 agglomerations in Portugal are still not compliant. In nine agglomerations, Portugal does not ensure that urban waste water entering collecting systems is subject, before discharge, to secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment. In two of them, the urban waste water is discharged in sensitive areas without being subject to a more stringent treatment. In INFR(2024)2193, based on information submitted by Portugal in 2022, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion in July 2025. There is still one agglomeration which is not compliant because the urban waste water entering the collecting system is not subject, before discharge, to secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment. The Commission considers that efforts by the Portuguese authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union. More information is in the press release.
Second referral to the Court of Justice (Article 260 TFEU)
Commission decides to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with EU rules for treating urban waste water
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Ireland (INFR(2013)2056) back to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the judgment in case C-427/17, Commission v. Ireland of 28 March 2019. In this judgment, Ireland was found to have breached the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (Council Directive 91/271/EEC) in 28 agglomerations. Untreated urban waste water can put human health at risk and pollute lakes, rivers, soil and coastal and groundwater. The Directive protects both water quality and human health by requiring that Member States collect and treat their urban waste water before it is discharged into the environment. Under the Directive, Member States must have collecting systems for agglomerations with a population of 2 000 and more. Moreover, Member States must apply secondary treatment to urban waste water before discharge and, in large agglomerations (population of 10 000 and more) which discharges in a zone sensitive to eutrophication, a more stringent treatment is required (removal of nitrates or phosphorus, which act as fertilisers). Since the judgment in case C-427/17, Ireland has made progress in resolving issues of compliance in 20 of the agglomerations covered by the judgment. However, eight agglomerations remain in breach. In six agglomerations, Ireland has failed to ensure that overflows from urban waste water collecting systems are sufficiently controlled and appropriately treated. In two further agglomerations, Ireland has failed to ensure that the urban waste water that enters the collecting systems are subject, before discharge, to secondary treatment or an equivalent treatment. Furthermore, in one agglomeration, the urban waste water is discharged to a sensitive area without being subject to a more stringent treatment. The Commission sent Ireland a letter of formal notice under Article 260(2) TFEU on 14 November 2024. The Commission considers that efforts by the Irish authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union with a request to impose financial sanctions. More information is in the press release.
2. Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
(For more information: Thomas Reigner – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Rüya Perincek – Tel.: +32 460 76 25 10)
Letters of formal notice
Commission calls on Hungary to ensure compliance with EU rules on freedom to provide services and public procurement in the certified translation sector
The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary (INFR(2025)4024) for failing to comply with EU rules on the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services, as set out in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market (Services Directive), as well as with EU public procurement rules (Directive 2014/24/EU). EU rules aim to ensure free movement of services and the right of establishment for service providers, as well as fair and transparent public procurement. They allow businesses from any Member State to provide services or set up in another Member State without unjustified restrictions. Directive 2014/24/EU requires public contracts to be awarded transparently and non-discriminatorily across the EU. According to the Commission, Hungarian law gives the state-controlled company OFFI Zrt. an exclusive right to provide certified translation services for official use. The Commission considers this to be an unjustified restriction on both freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services, breaching Articles 49 and 56 TFEU and the Services Directive. Exempting public service contracts for certified translation from EU procurement rules is also unjustified. Hungary has also failed to notify these restrictive measures to the Commission, as required by the Services Directive. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Italy to ensure compliance with EU rules on multidisciplinary activities for accountants
The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Italy (INFR(2025)2172) for failing to comply with Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market (Services Directive). EU rules aim to ensure that service providers can offer multidisciplinary services, allowing for combined and innovative service offers, in the interest of consumers. Article 25 of the Services Directive states that providers should not face unjustified restrictions to exercising different activities jointly or in partnership. Any such restrictions must be limited to what is necessary to safeguard the impartiality, independence and integrity of regulated professions. According to the Commission, Italian legislation prevents accountants from engaging in a broad range of other activities, thus prohibiting their joint exercise. While Italian law provides for limited exceptions, most incompatibilities are absolute and not subject to exceptions. The Commission considers that these restrictions breach the Services Directive. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Italy, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission calls on Hungary to refrain from imposing price margin restrictions for the sale of food products and drugstore articles contrary to the single market
The European Commission decided to issue two reasoned opinions to Hungary, INFR(2025)2052 and INFR(2025)2102, concerning measures that impose price margin restrictions on all non-Hungarian businesses but only some Hungarian firms. One procedure concerns restrictions with regard to the sale of certain food products by food retailers. The other procedure covers similar restrictions for the sale of certain non-food products by drugstores. The Services Directive (Directive 2006/123/EC) and the freedom of establishment pursuant to Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) require public authorities to ensure equal treatment and non-discrimination of economic operators. They must refrain from restricting economic activities unless such restrictions are justified to achieve certain public interest objectives. Hungary limited the margin between purchase prices and sales prices of products to such a low level that it no longer allows businesses to cover their costs, forcing non-Hungarian retailers to sell their products at a loss. Hungary alleges that the difference between the sourcing price and the sales price equals the profit of concerned undertakings, not taking into consideration that undertakings also have substantial additional costs for instance for personnel, real estate and taxes. The measures thus endanger jobs of predominantly Hungarian employees of the concerned retailers. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue reasoned opinions to Hungary, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Referral to the Court of Justice
Commission decides to refer Bulgaria to the Court of Justice of the European Union for a breach of EU procurement rules
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Bulgaria to the Court of Justice of the European Union (INFR(2018)2268) for failing to correctly transpose EU public procurement rules, in particular Directive 2014/24/EU. Bulgarian legislation currently excludes certain privately owned medical establishments from the scope of EU procurement rules, even when these entities receive the majority of their funding from public sources. This exclusion is not in line with the definition of ‘bodies governed by public law' set out in the Directive and therefore restricts the scope of application of the Directive. Although Bulgaria has proposed amendments partially addressing the issue, these have not yet been adopted. The Commission considers that efforts by the Bulgarian authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Bulgaria to the Court of Justice of the European Union. More information is in the press release.
3. Migration, Home Affairs and Security Union
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Dumitrescu – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 91)
Letters of formal notice
Commission calls on Ireland, Lithuania, Portugal and Slovenia to correctly transpose the provisions of the Firearms Directive
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending letters of formal notice to Ireland (INFR(2025)2190), Lithuania (INFR(2025)2191), Portugal (INFR(2025)2192) and Slovenia (INFR(2025)2193) for failing to correctly transpose some of the provisions of the Firearms Directive (Directive (EU) 2021/555). The Firearms Directive sets common minimum standards on the acquisition, possession, and commercial exchange of civilian firearms, for example firearms used for sport shooting and hunting. The rules under the Directive allow for the lawful use, movement and trade of firearms, essential components, and ammunition for civilian use within the EU. At the same time, the Directive keeps high standards of security and protection against criminal acts and illicit trafficking of firearms. The Commission is sending letters of formal notice to Ireland, Lithuania, Portugal and Slovenia which now have two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission calls on Croatia and Malta to correctly transpose the provisions of the Child Sexual Abuse Directive
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Croatia (INFR(2019)2233) and Malta (INFR(2019)2115) for failure to correctly transpose into national law the Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography. The EU rules oblige Member States to criminalise child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse material. The Directive includes minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions, and introduces provisions to strengthen the prevention of those crimes and the protection of child victims. The Directive also requires Member States to ensure that effective intervention programmes or measures are made available to offenders. In the absence of a correct transposition of such preventive measures, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Croatia and Malta, which now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
4. Justice
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo - Tel.: +32 2 299 06 79)
(For more information on Equality: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Letters of formal notice
Commission calls on Hungary to comply with European Media Freedom Act and Audiovisual Media Services Directive
The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary (INFR(2025)2194) for failing to comply with several provisions under the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) (Regulation (EU) 2024/1083) and certain requirements under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) (Directive (EU) 2018/1808). The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the main provisions of which entered into application on 8 August 2025, is a key piece of legislation to protect media freedom, independence and pluralism within the EU's internal market. As regards the EMFA, the Commission takes the view that Hungary does not comply with provisions regarding interference in the work of journalists and media outlets in Hungary, restricting their economic activities and editorial freedom. Moreover, the Commission considers that Hungarian law does not offer an adequate protection of journalistic sources and confidential communications, nor effective judicial protection when these rights are breached. Hungary also fails to comply with requirements relating to the public service media, the transparency of media ownership, the assessment of media market concentrations and the allocation of State advertising. Finally, Hungary is also in breach of certain requirements in relation to national media regulatory authorities under the AVMSD. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary, which now has two months to respond and address the concerns raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Latvia to correctly transpose EU consumer rules
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Latvia (INFR(2025)2197) for failing to correctly transpose the Modernisation Directive (EU) 2019/2161 which entered into force in 2020 and amended four Directives: the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Consumer Rights Directive, the Unfair Contract Terms Directive, and the Price Indication Directive. The Modernisation Directive established the current rules to ensure effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for businesses that breach consumer rights. The Commission considers that Latvia has failed to correctly transpose in its national law the requirements for penalties for breaches of the rules on consumer rights, unfair contract terms and price indication. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Latvia, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Commission calls on Poland to correctly transpose EU rules on legal aid
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Poland (INFR(2025)2164) for failing to transpose the Directive (EU) 2016/1919 on legal aid for suspects and accused persons. EU law ensures that the basic rights of suspects and accused persons are protected. Common minimum standards are necessary for judicial decisions taken by one Member State to be recognised by others. The Commission considers that Poland fails to sufficiently secure procedural safeguards. This is notably the case in the early stages of police investigations, where Poland fails to ensure that legal aid is provided without undue delay before questioning or gathering relevant evidence. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Poland, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission calls on Germany to comply with the rules on equal treatment between men and women in goods and services
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Germany (INFR(2012)2172) for failing to correctly transpose EU rules on Equal treatment between men and women in access to and supply of goods and services (Directive 2004/113/EC). The Directive aims to promote equality, prevent discriminatory practices and guarantee equal rights between men and women in access to and supply of goods and services. The Directive includes key areas such as housing, banking, insurance and healthcare and covers legal protections in relation to different types of harassment. In December 2015, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Germany stating several concerns. Since then, the concerns have only been partly addressed. For example, the legal relationships governed by public law, such as contracts for the provision of public healthcare or transportation services, are not sufficiently covered in the German law as required by the Directive, which might have particularly problematic consequences in cases of harassment and sexual harassment linked to access to and supply of goods and services. A further issue is that the German General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) applies only to so-called mass-contracts, and so does the application to tenancy contracts only if the landlord rents out more than 50 apartments. In correspondence with the Commission in 2024 and 2025, Germany confirmed preparation of a legislative amendment to address shortcomings but with no clear timeline for adoption. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Germany, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Italy to correctly transpose the Directive on the rights of shareholders in listed companies
The European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Italy (INFR(2025)4004) for failing to correctly transpose the Shareholder Rights Directive (Directive 2007/36/EC). Long-term engagement of shareholders with the companies they invest in is essential to ensure that companies are well-governed and sustainable. The Directive protects and empowers shareholders by promoting transparency, accountability, and good corporate governance in listed companies. It establishes a set of rules and rights that ensure shareholders have a say in the companies they invest in, and that their interests are represented and respected. On 7 May 2025, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy identifying a number of shortcomings. However, Italy continues to restrict shareholders' freedom to choose their proxy for general meetings without limitations, imposing instead a company-designated proxy. In addition, Italian law does not ensure that shareholders can react to new agenda items by tabling draft resolutions. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Italy, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Austria and Poland to transpose EU rules on free movement
Today, the European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Austria (INFR(2011)2034) and Poland (INFR(2011)2074) for incorrectly transposing the Free Movement Directive (Directive 2004/38/EC). The Directive requires Member States to allow and facilitate the entry and residence of extended family members of EU citizens. Under EU law, these family members then have the same rights as immediate family members, such as spouses or children. The Commission sent letters of formal notice to Austria and Poland on 16 June 2011, and additional letters of formal notice on 16 December 2024 and 12 March 2025, respectively, for failing to correctly transpose these provisions. Under Austrian and Polish law, non-EU extended family members do not receive the correct residence documents and are denied certain rights under the Directive. Under Polish law, extended family members who are EU citizens are still subject to additional conditions to acquire a right of permanent residence, compared to immediate family members. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Poland and an additional reasoned opinion to Austria, which now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Referrals to the Court of Justice
Commission decides to refer Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for incorrectly transposing rules on procedural rights
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Poland (INFR(2024)2073) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to correctly transpose into its national legislation the Directive on the right of access to a lawyer and to communicate upon arrest (Directive 2013/48/EU). Poland does not sufficiently secure procedural safeguards, notably at early stages of police investigations. Poland allows questioning or the gathering of relevant evidence to proceed without a lawyer, which breaches the strict rules on the right of access to a lawyer. Polish law allows the confidentiality of the communication between suspects or accused persons and their lawyer to be disrespected, even though the Directive guarantees the confidentiality of such communication. Poland also incorrectly transposed the provisions of the Directive stating that holders of parental responsibility – or another appropriate adult acting for the child's best interest – must be informed about the deprivation of liberty of the children. Finally, the provisions of the Directive on the right of access to a lawyer in European arrest warrant proceedings are also not correctly transposed. The Commission considers that efforts by the authorities to remedy the incompliances identified have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union. More information is in the press release.
Letter of formal notice post-judgment (Article 260 TFEU)
Commission calls on Spain to comply with Union law as regards State liability for breaches of Union law
The European Commission decided to send a letter of formal notice to Spain (INFR(2017)4004) for not implementing the judgment of the Court of Justice of 28 June 2022 in case C-278/20 regarding state liability for breaches of Union law by the legislature. State liability is an important principle of EU law that establishes compensation for loss or harm caused to individuals by the legislature through breaches of Union law. In 2015, the Commission received complaints regarding the incompatibility of certain aspects of the Spanish Law (40/2015) on the legal regime for the public sector, and of the Spanish Law (39/2015) on the common administrative procedure of the public administration, with EU law. Since Spain had not adopted any amendments following the Commission's reasoned opinion, the Commission decided in November 2019 to refer the case to the Court of Justice. In its judgment of 28 June 2022 in case C-278/20, the Court of Justice confirmed that Spain had violated EU law. Spain has so far not implemented the judgment of the Court of Justice in its legal order. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Spain, which now has two months to respond. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to refer the case again to the Court of Justice as provided for in Article 260(2) TFEU. If the Court finds that Spain has not complied with its judgement, it may impose a lump sum or penalty payment.
5. Energy and climate
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli – Tel: +32 2 298 94 07; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Letters of formal notice
Commission calls on Hungary to comply with rules on intra-EU investor-State arbitration
The European Commission today decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary (INFR(2025)2204), because Hungary failed to prevent violations of the prohibition on intra-EU investor-State arbitration, as established by the case law of the Court of Justice. In its judgment in Case C-741/19, Komstroy, the CJEU held that Articles 267 and 344 TFEU prevent an international agreement, such as Article 26 of the Energy Charter Treaty, from allowing an investor from one Member States to bring a dispute concerning investments in another Member State, before an arbitral tribunal whose jurisdiction that Member State has agreed to accept. The violations subject to the letter of formal notice result from the actions of the Hungarian State-controlled company MOL, and companies controlled by it, that breach the prohibition of intra-EU investor State arbitration. First, MOL requested a third-country court to recognise and enforce an intra-EU investor-State arbitral award issued in its favour on the basis of article 26 of the Energy Charter Treaty. Second, a company controlled by MOL initiated a new intra-EU investor-state arbitration procedure against another EU Member State on the basis of article 26 of the Energy Charter Treaty. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission urges Finland to comply with the Methane Regulation
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Finland (INFR(2025)2113), for breaching the Methane Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 by failing to appoint a competent authority responsible for monitoring and enforcing the application of the rules and notify it to the Commission. The Methane Regulation tackles methane emissions in the crude oil, natural gas and coal sectors. It aims to improve measurement and reporting of methane emissions in the EU, to foster their abatement and to increase transparency in the EU and globally. It also incentivises the EU's international partners to measure, report and reduce their methane emissions. Member States had to notify to the Commission the names and contact details of their competent authorities by 5 February 2025. The Commission notes that Finland has still not fulfilled this obligation. The Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion to Finland, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission urges Greece, France, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Portugal to transpose the reinforced rules to promote renewable energy
Today, the European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Greece (INFR(2025)0214), France (INFR(2025)0220), Italy (INFR(2025)0228), Cyprus (INFR(2025)0201), Hungary (INFR(2025)0224), Malta (INFR(2025)0233), Poland (INFR(2025)0238) and Portugal (INFR(2025)0241) for failing to fully transpose the provisions of the amending Directive (EU) 2023/2413 into national law. The Directive was adopted in 2023. Member States had to notify the transposition of the Directive by 21 May 2025, except for some provisions related to permitting, which were already due by 1 July 2024. The new rules aim to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in all sectors of the economy, not only in the power sector, but also and especially in those sectors where progress is more difficult like heating and cooling, buildings, transport and industry, where the EU has also set new or strengthened targets. They set horizontal and cross-cutting measures to promote the deployment of renewables, such as the strengthening of guarantees of origin, facilitating energy system integration through the promotion of electrification and renewable hydrogen, and safeguards to ensure a more sustainable bioenergy production. The implementation of the legislation is instrumental to accelerate the roll-out of homegrown clean energy, to further reduce greenhouse gas GHG emissions in the energy sector - which currently contributes over 75% of total GHG emissions in the Union, and to strengthen energy security. It will also contribute to lowering energy prices and enhancing the competitiveness of the EU economy. In July 2025, the Commission sent letters of formal notice to 26 Member States for failing to fully transpose the Directive into national law. After having examined the replies from the Member States, the Commission has decided to issue reasoned opinions to Greece, France, Italy, Cyprus and Portugal for failing to notify transposition measures and to Hungary, Malta and Poland for failing to provide sufficiently clear and precise information on how their transposition measures transpose each of the Directive's provisions. These Member States now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union with a request for financial sanctions.
6. Taxation
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Letter of formal notice
Commission calls on Luxembourg to eliminate a discriminatory tax treatment of dividends from public investments
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Luxembourg (INFR(2025)4003) for failing to abolish a tax regime that discriminates dividends derived from public investments by other EU and EEA Member States, as well as their public entities. The dividends distributed by companies established in Luxembourg to the State of Luxembourg and its public entities are exempt from a withholding tax of 15 %, unlike dividends distributed to other Member States of the EU and the EEA and their public entities, which are subject to the withholding tax. It results in a discrimination of public investments from other EU or EEA Member States in companies of Luxembourg, which is contrary to the principle of the free movement of capital laid down in Articles 63 TFEU and 40 EEA. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Luxembourg, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission calls on Czechia, Ireland, France, Austria and Portugal to comply with their obligations to transmit customs data via the SURV3 system
Today, the European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Czechia (INFR(2025)2054), Ireland (INFR(2025)2055), France (INFR(2025)2012), Austria (INFR(2025)2007) and Portugal (INFR(2025)2013) for failing to fulfil their obligations to transmit customs data to the Commission through the SURV3 system, as required under Article 16(1) of the Union Customs Code (UCC), Articles 55(1) and 56(1) and Annex 21-03 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447. Member States must transmit to the Commission, via SURV3, data extracted from their national systems on import and export declarations, covering 57 standardised data elements. The Member States concerned transmit only a limited subset of these elements, and continue to use outdated formats, which affects the Commission's ability to monitor EU trade flows and ensure uniform application of customs rules. Despite the letters of formal notice sent between May and July 2025, the five Member States have not yet achieved full compliance, as evidenced by the data reported in SURV3. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue reasoned opinions to Czechia, Ireland, France, Austria and Portugal, which now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer these cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Czechia to fully implement the National Import System and on Greece and Slovakia to fully implement the Temporary Storage system, under the Union Customs Code
Today, the European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Czechia (INFR(2025)2017), Greece (INFR(2025)2019), and Slovakia (INFR(2025)2021) for failing to fully implement the National Import System (NIS) or the Temporary Storage system for Air transport (TS Air) as required by the Union Customs Code (UCC) and Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2879 (the Work Programme). These systems are key components of the UCC's digital customs framework. Member States were required to make them fully operational by 31 December 2023. Despite earlier letters of formal notice, all three Member States have not yet deployed these systems or provided credible short-term implementation plans. Czechia has delayed its NIS deployment to the first half of 2026. Greece has not completed the deployment of TS Air, which is postponed to 2027. Slovakia plans to implement TS Air only in 2026–2027. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue reasoned opinions to Czechia, Greece and Slovakia, which now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer these cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
7. Mobility and Transport
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola – Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)
Letter of formal notice
Commission calls on Slovenia to implement the sanctions regime for infringements of the Single European Sky framework
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Slovenia (INFR(2025)2189) for failing to implement its sanctions regime under the Single European Sky (SES) framework (Regulation (EC) No 549/2004). Article 9 of the Regulation requires that Member States lay down effective, proportional and dissuasive sanctions for infringements of this Regulation and related Implementing Regulations. Following exchanges with the Slovenian authorities, the Commission finds that Slovenia has not implemented a sanctions framework, that would cover all aspects and actors of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/116 on Common Project One. This Regulation establishes six air traffic management (ATM) functionalities and sets mandatory implementation target dates for each ATM sub-functionality. The Slovenian authorities say that there is no need to establish the related penalties because their relevant stakeholders have not so far been impacted by delays in implementing the ATM functionalities included in the Implementing Regulation. The Commission considers that a system of penalties is needed to ensure the timely deployment of relevant ATM functionalities; as the major implementation target dates are still ahead until 2028 and work has started on the subsequent common project. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Slovenia, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.
Reasoned opinions
Commission urges Italy to correctly implement electronic tolling
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Italy (INFR(2020)2318) for failing to correctly implement the European Electronic Tolling Service (EETS) Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/520). Although EETS providers are active in Italy, they are not yet accepted to operate in the EETS toll domain of Sicily due to pending technological upgrades. This is an obstacle to interoperability between Member States' electronic road toll systems, and to cross-border enforcement of the obligation to pay road fees in the EU. Drivers might need more than one subscription contract with more than a single provider and additional on-board units to drive to or across Italy. The Commission is therefore sending a reasoned opinion to Italy, which now has two months to respond and to address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Greece to implement individual aircraft identification requirements for air traffic management and air navigation services
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece (INFR(2024)2237) for failing to implement the aircraft identification technology required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373. This capability is crucial for enhancing surveillance services and increasing the efficiency of air traffic control, by ensuring more precise aircraft tracking. The use of modern radars would increase airspace capacity and would allow higher levels of traffic in the Greek airspace. This is particularly needed during the summer period. In addition, the deployment of modern radars would ensure Greece's interoperability with other EU Member States already using these systems. Greece's response to the letter of formal notice sent by the Commission in December 2024, did not provide satisfactory evidence about when the aircraft identification technology will be implemented in Greece. The Greek authorities announced corrective actions needed to comply with regulatory requirements related to the procurement and installation of modern radars systems, and the use of radar data by updated data processing system. However, these corrective actions have not been implemented within the timelines previously indicated by the national authorities. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Greece, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Cyprus to address deficiencies in aerodrome safety and oversight implementation Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Cyprus (INFR(2023)2151) for failing to ensure, under Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, that the aerodrome operator of Larnaka and Pafos airports correctly reflects all applicable EU requirements in their respective Aerodome Manuals, including on rescue and fire-fighting services. Furthermore, the Commission holds concerns whether the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation has sufficiently qualified staff in all required technical areas to be able to effectively deal with its aerodrome-related oversight tasks. These issues were detected during an inspection that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency carried out in 2020 and were raised by the Commission in the letter of formal notice sent to Cyprus on 16 November 2023. As Cyprus has not solved the issues identified by the Commission, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion to Cyprus, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Commission calls on Estonia to address understaffing of its aviation authorities
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Estonia (INFR(2022)2171) for failing to meet its obligations under Commission Regulations (EU) No 1178/2011 and (EU) No 965/2012. Estonia has not disposed enough personnel in its aviation authorities to perform its tasks and discharge its responsibilities. This issue was detected by inspections of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency between 2019–2022. The Commission followed up with a letter of formal notice in February 2023. As Estonia has not yet resolved the problem, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion to Estonia, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Referral to the Court of Justice
Commission decides to refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to implement Performance Based Navigation approach procedures at airports
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Greece (INFR(2024)2014) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to put in place the necessary measures to design and publish performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures at Greek airports as required by Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) 2018/1048 (“the PBN Regulation”). By optimising air traffic service routes and instrument approach procedures, the use of PBN procedures in air traffic management and air navigation services delivers a range of benefits, including improved safety, increased capacity, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced cost-efficiency. The responses from the Greek authorities to the Commission's letter of formal notice of April 2024 and reasoned opinion of December 2024 did not provide satisfactory evidence either concerning the implementation of the PBN procedures at Greek airports or regarding the implementation of the corrective actions announced by the Greek authorities. Furthermore, Greece has not published the PBN procedures for 44 instrument runways ends at Greek airports to date, although they should have been published by December 2020. The Commission considers that the efforts by the Greek authorities have, to date, been insufficient and is therefore referring Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union. More information is available in the press release.
8. Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union
(For more information: Olof Gill - Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Louis Goulding Tel.: +32 229-64735)
Reasoned opinions
Commission calls on Spain, France and Portugal to fully transpose the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) Directive
The European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Spain (INFR(2025)0136), France (INFR(2025)0140) and Portugal (INFR(2025)0163) for failing to fully transpose the DORA Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2556). The deadline for Member States to transpose the DORA Directive into national law was 17 January 2025. The DORA Directive aims to establish clear and consistent digital operational resilience rules for financial entities such as banks, insurance companies and investment firms, thereby guaranteeing the smooth functioning of the single market. Full implementation of the legislation is key to strengthen the digital operational resilience of financial entities across the EU by addressing risks associated with the increasing digitalisation of financial services. The Commission is therefore issuing a reasoned opinion to the three Member States concerned which now have two months to respond and to complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union with a request for financial sanctions.
9. Competition
(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 2 298 70 24; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)
Letter of formal notice
Commission calls on Belgium to comply with its obligations under EU law as regards the recognition of State-investor arbitration awards
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium (INFR(2025)2199) for failing to comply with its obligations under EU law as regards the recognition of intra-EU and extra-EU State-investor arbitration awards. The arbitration awards in question oblige Spain to pay compensation to investors because of a modification of its renewable energy scheme. Spain notified the arbitration awards in question to the Commission for the necessary review according to EU state aid rules. Belgium recognised the arbitral awards with a view to their enforcement in Belgium, before the Commission assessment. This way, Belgium created an imminent risk for Spain to be forced to pay the compensation in breach of the standstill obligation of Article 108(3) TFEU and Commission Decision SA.40348 on the renewable energy scheme. The requests for recognition constitute an attempt to circumvent the State aid rules. Belgium should have opposed to this circumvention under the principle of sincere cooperation, as laid down in Article 4(3) of the TEU, read in conjunction with Article 108(3) of the TFEU, Decision SA.40348 and the case law of the Court of Justice on intra-EU investment arbitration. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium, which now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.