Brussels: The European Commission has embarked on a series of legal actions against several EU Member States due to their failure to comply with obligations under EU law. In its regular package of infringement decisions, the Commission aims to ensure the proper application of EU law across various policy areas, benefiting citizens and businesses.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Commission is addressing multiple issues across different policy areas. It has decided to open infringement procedures by sending letters of formal notice to countries like Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal for not correctly transposing the recast Drinking Water Directive. This directive is crucial for improving water resilience and protecting human health by updating water quality standards and tackling pollutants of concern. Member States were required to implement this directive by January 2023.
The Commission is also addressing environmental concerns in Lithuania related to the Water Framework Directive, urging the country to ensure periodic reviews of water permits. Similarly, Germany faces action for not correctly transposing the Waste Framework Directive, which sets legally binding targets for waste management and recycling.
Spain is under scrutiny for failing to comply with the Seveso III Directive, which deals with major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances. The Commission highlights deficiencies in Spain’s legislation regarding reporting obligations and emergency plans.
Poland is being called upon to align its national legislation with the Single-Use Plastics Directive, which aims to reduce the impact of plastic products on the environment. The Commission emphasizes the need for comprehensive coverage of the waste management costs associated with single-use plastics.
The European Commission’s actions underline the importance of adhering to EU directives to ensure environmental protection, public health, and sustainable development across the Member States. These infringement procedures demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to enforcing EU laws and maintaining a level playing field within the Union.