European Commission launches action against Greece over energy, money laundering and human trafficking

BRUSSELS – The European Commission announced on Friday that it is taking action against Greece and most other European Union member states for failing to notify Brussels how they have transposed EU energy directives into national law.

According to the Commission, member states have two months to comply and put an end to the infringements, before the EU executive issues a “reasoned opinion” – the next step in the infringement procedure, which could take the case all the way to the EU Court of Justice.

Greece was cited specifically for the new electricity market design rules, which guarantee consumers’ free choice of supplier and energy sharing, as well as for the hydrogen market and decarbonized gas rules.

In parallel, the Commission also opened infringement proceedings against Greece and many other member states for failing to incorporate into domestic law the EU’s new rules on combating money laundering and human trafficking.

Infringement proceedings are the instrument by which the European Commission ensures member states’ implementation of EU law: they begin with a formal notice letter, continue with the reasoned opinion and, if the infringement persists, the case is referred to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

Source: eKathimerini