March 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 44 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: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 229 54673)

Letters of formal notice

Commission calls on Greece to update its national air pollution control programme
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Greece (INFR(2026)2006) for failing to update its national air pollution control programme under the Directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (NEC Directive) (Directive (EU) 2016/2284). The NEC Directive sets national emission reduction commitments for several air pollutants to be achieved by each Member State each year between 2020 and 2029, with more ambitious reduction commitments from 2030 onwards. It also requires Member States to adopt national air pollution control programmes (NAPCPs) setting out measures to meet those commitments. The NEC Directive requires Member States to update their NAPCPs at least every four years. These updates show the progress made by Member States in implementing the programme and how they keep on track to meet their commitments. This contributes to reducing emissions of air pollutants, thus improving air quality. Despite several reminders, Greece has to date not submitted the required updated NAPCP to the Commission. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Greece, 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 France to ensure compliance with the Water Framework Directive  
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to France (INFR(2026)2201) for failing to correctly transpose the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC). As underlined in the Water Resilience Strategy, full implementation of EU water quality requirements is key to protecting human health and the environment, and strengthening the EU's competitiveness and resilience. The Directive aims to ensure that water bodies which are heavily modified, for instance, due to hydropower plants, reach a ‘good ecological potential' by 2015, or, in case of a derogation, by 2021 or 2027. To achieve this, the Directive requires Member States to define the ecological quality of such rivers and, consequently, determine what measures, if any, need to be undertaken to achieve better quality within the deadlines. These assessments are crucial to ensure the EU's water resilience. However, French law does not transpose all quality factors laid down in the Directive. In particular, French law does not take account of fish populations and river continuity (for instance, solutions to allow migratory fish to overcome dams) when assessing the quality of such rivers. Consequently, French law does not ensure that the quality of such rivers is correctly assessed. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to France, 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 Lithuania to correctly transpose the Waste Framework Directive  
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Lithuania (INFR(2026)2004) for failing to correctly transpose the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC as amended by Directive 2018/851/EU), which aims to prevent or reduce the generation of waste. 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. These requirements are crucial for the EU's competitiveness and the transition to a circular economy. The deadline for Member States to transpose the amended Directive into their national legislation was 5 July 2020. Lithuania failed to correctly transpose several provisions of the amended Directive. This concerns, among others, some requirements linked to the prevention of waste, rules on the calculation of the attainment of the targets, requirements for waste-oils and bio-waste, content of the waste management plans, and the extended producer responsibility scheme. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Lithuania, 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 Romania to correctly transpose the Seveso III Directive
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Romania (INFR(2026)2003) for failing to correctly transpose the Seveso III Directive  (Directive 2012/18/EU). The Directive applies to more than 12,000 industrial installations in the European Union, such as chemical and petrochemical industry, as well as fuel wholesale and storage sectors. It aims to prevent major accidents (for instance major emission, fire, or explosion) involving dangerous substances, especially chemicals, and to limit their negative impact on human health and the environment. The Commission identified shortcomings in Romania's national rules transposing the Directive. First, while the Directive obliges companies to reassess risks whenever changes could affect accident hazards, Romanian law does not cover situations where the physical form of a dangerous substance changes – even though such a change can significantly alter the risk profile of an installation. Second, the rules on public participation are not correctly transposed into Romanian law, omitting the reference to siting decisions, thus restricting the public's ability to participate in land-use planning processes in areas near installations where dangerous substances are present. Finally, Romanian rules do not provide specific timeframes for informing and consulting the public, while the Directive requires reasonable and effective consultation periods. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Romania, 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 Portugal and Romania to submit their six-year report under the Invasive Alien Species Regulation  
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Portugal (INFR(2026)2001) and Romania (INFR(2026)2002) for failing to transmit their respective reports due by 1 June 2025 under the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (IAS) (Regulation (EU) 1143/2014). The IAS Regulation establishes EU-wide measures aiming to prevent, minimise and mitigate the adverse impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as related impacts on human health and the economy. Member States must update and transmit to the Commission every six years information on the national surveillance and official control systems, the distribution of invasive alien species of Union concern, action plans addressing priority pathways, and aggregated information on eradication and management measures, among other elements. These reports give a clear picture of the implementation and potential challenges of the Regulation and contribute to the objectives related to the protection of environment, health and economy. Portugal and Romania have, to date, not transmitted the required report. The Commission is therefore sending letters of formal notice to Portugal and Romania, 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.

Commission calls on Sweden to comply with its obligations under the Ambient Air Quality Directive
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Sweden (INFR(2025)2206) for failing to comply with 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 particulate matter (PM₁₀). PM₁₀ can cause significant negative health effects, in particular on the respiratory and cardiovascular system. In line with the EU's zero pollution ambition and in situations where concentrations of PM₁₀ in the air exceed these limit values, the Directive requires Member States to adopt air quality plans to achieve compliance as soon as possible. In the air quality zone ‘North Sweden' (zone SW1), the limit values for PM₁₀ have been exceeded for seven years, in particular in Östersund. The air quality plans adopted in several cities in the North Sweden region do not contain sufficient measures to end the PM₁₀ exceedances in North Sweden. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Sweden, 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 correctly transpose the Drinking Water Directive  
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Germany (INFR(2025)2210) for failing to correctly transpose the Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184). As underlined in the Water Resilience Strategy, full implementation of EU water quality requirements is key to protecting human health and the environment. The recast Drinking Water Directive aims to protect human health by providing cleaner tap water, updating water quality standards, and tackling pollutants of concern, such as endocrine disruptors and microplastics. The Directive also includes provisions to reduce water leakages when now, on average, 23% of the drinking water in the EU is lost during distribution. Member States were required to transpose the Directive into national law and comply with its provisions by 12 January 2023. Germany has not correctly transposed the Directive regarding certain risk assessment rules and on public access to certain information, including on water monitoring and corrective measures taken. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Germany, 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 Austria to take the necessary steps to protect and manage its Natura 2000 sites
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Austria (INFR(2022)2056) for failing to comply with the Habitats (Directive 92/43/EEC) and Birds Directives (Directive 2009/147/EC). Member States must designate special areas of conservation under the Habitats Directive and special protection areas under the Birds Directive. These sites become part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a EU-wide network of protected areas, set up to ensure the protection and conservation of Europe's most valuable biodiversity. The sites must be protected based on conservation objectives and measures that will maintain or restore the protected species and habitats to a favourable conservation status. These conservation objectives and measures are key requirements to manage the Natura 2000 network and to protect biodiversity across the EU. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Austria in September 2022. Following this, Austria designated the sites under the Habitats Directive as special areas of conservation and improved some of the conservation objectives and measures for those sites. However, in many cases, these conservation objectives and measures are still not specific enough to meet the requirements of the habitats and species concerned. The situation is similar in some special protection areas under the Birds Directive. If the site conservation objectives are not specific about the habitats and species concerned, the authorities cannot ensure that the impacts of plans and projects in the area are appropriately assessed, before their approval. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Austria, 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 comply with the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the EU procedural rules on transparency in the internal market
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Italy (INFR(2024)2053) for failing to fully and correctly transpose the Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904) and for breaching the obligations under the Single Market Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2015/1535). The Single-Use Plastics Directive aims to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment and on human health, as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials, thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market. Italy has failed to transpose, or to transpose correctly into national law, some provisions of the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The main issues relate to: the introduction of a minimum threshold regarding the definition of ‘plastic', an exemption of biodegradable plastic products from certain provisions, and a limitation of producers' responsibility to cover costs of waste collection. Such a restriction of scope risks undermining the Directive's preventive approach and potentially leading to increased releases of persistent plastic fragments and microplastics into the environment. Moreover, a diverging scope of the Directive across Member States would adversely affect the functioning of the Single Market. In addition, Italy did not observe the procedural rules laid down in the Single Market Transparency Directive since it adopted the legislation transposing the Single-Use Plastics Directive before the expiry of the three-month standstill period established in that directive. The Commission issued a letter of formal notice to Italy in May 2024. However, after assessing its reply, the Commission concluded that Italy's transposition of the Directive is still incorrect. 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 Portugal to ensure periodic review of water permits
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Portugal (INFR(2025)2042) for failing to correctly transpose the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), with regard to the obligation to carry out periodic reviews of water permits. As underlined in the Water Resilience Strategy, full implementation of EU water quality requirements is key to protecting human health and the environment, and strengthening the EU's competitiveness and resilience. 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 Portugal, national law does not correctly transpose the obligation to periodically review the control measures established concerning water abstractions and impoundments and any other significant adverse impacts on the status of water. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Portugal in May 2025. In its reply to the letter of formal notice, Portugal provided some explanations, the assessment of which confirmed that under Portuguese law there is no obligation for the authorities to periodically review the control measures. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Portugal, 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.

2. Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

(For more information: Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Rüya Perincek – Tel.: +32 460 76 25 10)

Additional letter of formal notice

Commission asks Luxembourg to comply with EU rules on the freedom of establishment
The European Commission decided to send an additional letter of formal notice to Luxembourg (INFR(2024)2216) in relation to non-compliance of national legislation with the EU rules on freedom of establishment. Some of these issues were already raised in the initial letter of formal notice of October 2024. The Commission considers that Luxembourg fails to comply with the Services Directive (2006/123/EC) and with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The Luxembourgish regulations require a general authorisation for the establishment of any natural or legal persons exercising independent craft, trade, industrial professions or certain liberal professions. Furthermore, one of the conditions for obtaining this establishment authorisation is that the entity's manager must regularly be physically present in the premises in Luxembourg. The Commission insists that the general obligation requiring the physical presence of the manager, or of any other person appointed by the manager or by the entity constitutes an unjustified barrier to the freedom of establishment and is contrary to EU rules. This presence requirement significantly affects the organisation of business activities and deployment of managerial or other designated staff, requiring businesses to ensure physical presence even when it is not necessary for operations. Therefore, the Commission is sending an additional 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.

Letter of formal notice post-judgment (Article 260 TFEU)

Commission calls on Hungary to comply with CJEU judgment and remove export restrictions for construction materials
The European Commission decided to further pursue an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Hungary (INFR(2021)2158) under Article 260 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) for not complying with the judgment by the Court of Justice in case C-499/23. In its judgment of 13 November 2025, the Court found that Hungary failed to fulfil its obligations under the Treaties by restricting the export of construction products from Hungary to other Member States. Export restrictions negatively impact businesses that want to benefit from operations in the European market and beyond. National barriers hinder opportunities for economic operators to the detriment of growth and prosperity of citizens and businesses, including in Hungary. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice under Article 260 TFEU because Hungary has maintained barriers to the free movement of goods which the Court has already found to be in breach of EU law. Hungary's export restrictions allow it to interfere with cross-border shipments of construction materials to other Member States, hindering Single Market activity and potentially disrupting projects that EU citizens rely on. Hungary now has two months to respond to the arguments put forward by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to refer the case back to the Court of Justice and may request financial sanctions. 

3. Migration, Home Affairs and Security Union

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)

Reasoned opinions

Commission calls on Slovenia to correctly transpose the provisions of the Child Sexual Abuse Directive
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Slovenia (INFR(2019)2239) 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. EU rules require 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 includes rules on the jurisdiction over certain cases. Slovenia has not correctly transposed rules qualifying the sexual abuse as a criminal offense and subordinates the national jurisdiction to conditions that do not comply with the directive's obligations. The correct transposition of the Directive is crucial for the protection of children from sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and child pornography. In the absence of a correct transposition of some of the Directive's provisions, the Commission has 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 the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Commission calls on Bulgaria, France and Portugal to fully transpose the Directive on information exchange between law enforcement authorities
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Bulgaria (INFR(2025)0013), France (INFR(2025)0054) and Portugal (INFR(2025)0093) for failure to notify all national measures transposing Directive (EU) 2023/977 on information exchange between law enforcement authorities into national law. The Directive aims to strengthen the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal offences in the EU by ensuring that police officers in one Member State have equivalent access to the information available to those in another Member State. It sets out the organisational and procedural rules on information sharing between the law enforcement authorities of EU Member States, including the establishment of a single point of contact. Transposing the Directive facilitates swift, effective law enforcement collaboration, which is crucial for combatting cross-border crimes driven by digitalisation, thus enhancing the security of EU citizens. Bulgaria, France and Portugal have only partially notified the measures transposing the Directive. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Bulgaria, France and Portugal, 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, with requests to impose financial sanctions.

4. Justice

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Antoine Lomba- Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33)

(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 Romania and Slovenia to correctly transpose EU rules on legal aid
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Romania (INFR(2026)2007) and Slovenia (INFR(2026)2008) for failing to correctly transpose EU rules on legal aid for suspects and accused persons (Directive (EU) 2016/1919). EU law ensures that the basic rights of suspects and accused persons are protected, including for persons requested under a European arrest warrant. Common minimum standards are necessary for judicial decisions taken by one Member State to be recognised by others. Romania and Slovenia only grant legal aid to persons who are formally charged with an offence, and not to those who are only suspects of an offence. In addition to this, there are further issues with Slovenia's transposition of the Directive. Contrary to the Directive, Slovenian law only provides for legal aid upon request, and fails to guarantee legal aid in situations of pre-trial detention. Moreover, in Slovenia decisions at certain early stages of proceedings are made by the police, and not by a competent and independent authority, such as a court, which does not meet the requirement of independence under EU law. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to Romania 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 reasoned opinions.

Reasoned opinions

Commission calls on Germany and Croatia to fully incorporate accessibility requirements for products and services into their national law
Today, the European Commission decided to send additional reasoned opinions to Germany (INFR(2022)0295) and Croatia (INFR(2022)0306) for failing to fully incorporate into their national law the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882). Adopted in 2019, the European Accessibility Act requires that, when key products and services are placed on the market, they are accessible for persons with disabilities. This includes phones, computers, e-books, banking services and electronic communications. The Directive aims to increase active participation in society, including in education and employment, and strengthen the autonomy and mobility of approximately 100 million persons with disabilities in the EU. Member States had to transpose the Directive by June 2022, while economic operators had to ensure that they complied with the set of common EU accessibility requirements laid down in the Directive by June 2025. In July 2022, the Commission issued letters of formal notice to several  Member States, including Germany and Croatia, for failing to notify complete transposition measures. In July 2024, the Commission issued reasoned opinions to both countries due to continued non-compliance. Although Germany and Croatia had since made some progress, the Commission assessment of the notified measures indicates that transposition gaps remain. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue additional reasoned opinions setting out the remaining grievances to Germany and Croatia, 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 with requests to impose financial sanctions.

Commission calls on Hungary and Poland to correctly transpose EU rules on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law
Today, the Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Hungary (INFR(2022)2012) and Poland (INFR(2023)2011) for failing to correctly transpose the EU rules on the fight against fraud to the Union's financial interests by means of criminal law (Directive (EU) 2017/1371). These rules protect the EU budget by harmonising the definitions, sanctions, jurisdiction rules related to fraud and other offences affecting the EU's financial interests. The Commission identified several compliance issues in both Member States concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions. The Commission sent letters of formal notice to Hungary in May 2022 and to Poland in June 2023. Despite the progress made in addressing some of the grievances, other identified shortcomings persist, for example in the area of liability of legal persons in Poland and in the effectiveness of some sanctions in Hungary. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Hungary and Poland, 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.

Commission calls on Belgium, Bulgaria and Slovenia to transpose the Directive criminalising the violation of Union restrictive measures
Today, the European Commission decided to send reasoned opinions to Belgium (INFR(2025)0196), Bulgaria (INFR(2025)0199) and Slovenia (INFR(2025)0250) for failing to notify the Commission of any national measures to incorporate the Directive on criminalising the violation of Union restrictive measures (Directive (EU) 2024/1226) into national law. The Directive establishes common rules harmonising the definition of criminal offences and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures. It seeks to prevent the circumvention of Union restrictive measures, including those adopted following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Harmonising national criminal law in this field facilitates the investigation and prosecution of violations of Union restrictive measures in all Member States, making them more effective. Member States had until May 2025 to transpose the Directive into their national law. In July 2025, the Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to several Member States, for failing to communicate full transposition measures of the Directive. To date, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Slovenia have still not communicated full transposition measures. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Belgium, Bulgaria, and Slovenia, 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 with requests to impose financial sanctions. 

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 Austria and Romania to submit missing information in their integrated national energy and climate reports
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Austria (INFR(2026)2034) and Romania (INFR(2026)2033), as they still have not submitted all the information required in their integrated national energy and climate progress reports (NECPRs) that were due by 15 March 2025. Pursuant to Article 17 of the Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action (Regulation (EU) 2018/1999), Member States are obliged to report every two years to the Commission on progress achieved towards the implementation of their integrated national energy and climate plans (NECPs) through the NECPRs. By 15 March 2025, Member States were due to report their progress towards implementing their NECPs for the period 2021-2030, and notably towards their objectives, targets and contributions across the five dimensions of the Energy Union (decarbonisation, energy efficiency, internal energy market, energy security, research innovation and competitiveness). The precise requirements of the content of these reports are set in various articles of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 as well as in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2299 and in the European Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119). The submission of the NECPRs is considered complete when all the required information is provided. The NECPRs are crucial as they demonstrate how the national governments are delivering on their energy and climate objectives, as expressed in their integrated national energy and climate plans, across all dimensions of the Energy Union. They are essential for the Commission to track the Union's progress towards its common targets. Given that Austria and Romania have not complied with their obligation by the legal deadline, the Commission decided to send them a letter of formal notice, asking them to submit their complete NECPR without undue delay. These Member States now have two months to respond. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.

Commission calls on Member States to submit their draft National Building Renovation Plans due under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The European Commission decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium (INFR(2026)2014), Czechia (INFR(2026)2016),  Germany (INFR(2026)2017), Estonia (INFR(2026)2019), Ireland (INFR(2026)2023), Greece (INFR(2026)2020), France (INFR(2026)2021), Italy (INFR(2026)2024), Cyprus (INFR(2026)2015), Latvia (INFR(2026)2026), Luxembourg (INFR(2026)2025), Hungary (INFR(2026)2022), Malta (INFR(2026)2027), the Netherlands (INFR(2026)2028), Austria (INFR(2026)2013), Poland (INFR(2026)2029), Portugal (INFR(2026)2030), Slovakia (INFR(2026)2032) and Sweden (INFR(2026)2031) as they failed to submit their draft National Building Renovation Plan (NBRP) to the Commission by the deadline of 31 December 2025. The NBRPs are an essential and strategic tool for Member States to transform their building stock into a high-performing, energy-efficient, decarbonised asset by 2050. By creating predictable renovation pipelines and clear long-term trajectories, these plans will underpin full implementation of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1275) and give the necessary investment stability and predictability. These plans are instrumental to improve buildings' energy performance and thus contribute to lower energy bills. Timely submission of the draft plans allows the Commission to effectively assess each Member State's strategy, ensuring that the finalised plans are comprehensive, actionable, and aligned with the updated national and EU climate and energy targets. The Commission now asks the Member States concerned to submit their draft plans without further delay. These Member States have two months to respond to the letters of formal notice. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.

Commission calls on Belgium to comply with the obligation to notify the amended and updated risk preparedness plan in the electricity sector
The European Commission decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Belgium (INFR(2026)2036) regarding the missing notification of the amended risk-preparedness plan and the missing notification of the draft updated risk-preparedness plan in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2019/941 on risk preparedness in the electricity sector. The risk-preparedness plan ensures maximum preparedness in the electricity sector and should be established to avoid a disruption of electricity supply or mitigate its effects. It shall set out all measures that are planned or taken to prevent, prepare for and mitigate electricity crises. Electricity crises can occur for many reasons, for example due to extreme weather conditions, malicious attacks or fuel shortages. Where crisis situations occur, they often have a cross-border effect. Large-scale incidents, such as cold spells, heat waves or cyberattacks can affect several EU countries at the same time. Risk-preparedness plans are based on regional and national crisis scenarios, ensuring that in the event of a crisis, electricity is directed to where it is needed most. Belgium has not notified its amended risk-preparedness plan since the receipt of the opinion issued by the Commission on 3 November 2022 on its first plan, nor has it notified any objections to the Commission assessment. In its opinion, the Commission requested changes to enhance Belgium's energy security architecture to make it more robust. Belgium is also the only Member State that has not submitted, according to the Regulation, its updated draft risk-preparedness plan, which was supposed to be made available for consultation to the competent authorities of the Member States and to the Electricity coordination group six months before the deadline set in the Regulation for the new final plans (5 January 2026).  Member States have to adopt and publish their updated risk-preparedness plans every four years, counting from the first one that was due by 5 January 2022. The Commission now asks Belgium to comply with the Regulation without delay. Belgium has two months to respond to the letter of formal notice. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion. 

6. Taxation

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Kateřina Horáková – Tel.: +32 229-99310) 

Letter of formal notice

Commission calls on France to remove a restriction in breach with the Parent-Subsidiary Directive  
The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to France (INFR(2025)4014) for failing to correctly implement the Parent-Subsidiary Directive (Council Directive 2011/96/EU). This Directive provides that no withholding tax is levied when a subsidiary distributes its profits to its parent company in another Member State, and that such profits are also not taxed again at the level of the parent company. This ensures that the same profits are taxed only once, in the Member State of the subsidiary, and that European companies do not suffer double taxation when they are active in the internal market. This is key for their competitiveness. However, France only exempts from withholding tax profits distributed by a French subsidiary to its parent company in another Member State if the parent company's ‘place of effective management' is located in a Member State. Under the Parent-Subsidiary Directive, a parent company is any company that, under the tax legislation of the Member State concerned, is considered to be resident for tax purposes in that state. France cannot unilaterally apply its own criteria to foreign parent companies to contest their status and deny the tax benefits of the Directive by applying a withholding tax on transfers from a French subsidiary to its parent located in another EU Member State. The Commission is therefore sending a letter of formal notice to France, 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.

Referrals to the Court of Justice

Commission decides to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose VAT measures into national law
Today, the European Commission decided to refer Spain (INFR(2025)0047 and INFR(2025)0048) to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose two separate Directives related to VAT measures into national law. Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 of 18 February 2020 amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards the special scheme for small enterprises and Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 as regards the administrative cooperation and exchange of information for the purpose of monitoring the correct application of the special scheme for small enterprises (INFR(2025)0047), and Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 amending Directives 2006/112/EC and (EU) 2020/285 as regards rates of value added tax (INFR(2025)0048). All EU Member States were required to bring into force the laws necessary to transpose the obligatory provisions of Directive (EU) 2020/285 and Directive (EU) 2022/542 by 31 December 2024 and communicate the text of the relevant national measures to the Commission by the deadline. However, these national measures have still not been notified by Spain. The Commission considers that efforts from Spanish authorities have been insufficient and is therefore referring Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union with requests to impose financial sanctions. More information is in the press release.

7. Mobility and Transport

(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola – Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)

Reasoned opinion

Commission calls on Poland to ensure alcohol testing on flight and cabin crew members 
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Poland (INFR(2024)2240) for failing to fulfil its obligations under the Regulation on the technical requirements and administrative procedures for air operations (Regulation (EU) No 965/2012). The Regulation on the technical requirements and administrative procedures for air operations requires the performance of random alcohol testing on flight crew and cabin crew members. Poland is considered not to adhere with this requirement. This lack of adherence was first detected following a European Union Aviation Safety Agency standardisation visit in September 2022. As Poland has not yet addressed the issue, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Poland, 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. 

8. Jobs and social rights

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova - Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula - Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

Reasoned opinion 

Commission calls on Denmark to fully transpose rules on recognition of professional qualifications of nurses trained in another Member State  
Today, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Denmark (INFR(2025)0183) for failing to notify  measures fully incorporating into national law Directive (EU) 2024/505 on the recognition of professional qualifications of nurses responsible for general care trained in Romania. The transposition deadline was 4 March 2025. The Directive introduces specific amendments to the Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications. The amendments aim to facilitate the recognition of Romanian diplomas obtained before the country's accession to the EU by nurses responsible for general care who followed a special upgrading programme. This programme enabled its participants to upgrade their qualifications and meet the minimum requirements set out in Directive 2005/36/EC. Full implementation of the legislation is key to ensure that graduates of the programme can have their qualifications recognised more easily in other Member States. Therefore, the Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Denmark, 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 with a request to impose financial sanctions.