Each Member State of the European Union must fully apply EU law. The body responsible for identifying possible violations of EU law is the European Commission. Where a Member State does not apply EU law and breaches its obligations under the EU Treaties, the European Commission may open a formal infringement procedure under Articles 258 and 260 TFEU (see details on the infringement procedure here).
During 2024, the European Commission took a number of actions to open, close or progress infringement cases against Greece. All of the Commission’s decisions can be found on its website.
By studying these decisions, we found 12 cases [INFR(2024)2061, INFR(2024)2014, INFR(2024)0155, INFR(2021)2166, INFR(2023)4003, INFR(2023)2138, INFR(2023)2097, INFR(2024)0041, INFR(2020)4001, INFR(2021)2236, INFR(2021)2003 and INFR(2022)2176] under which the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece in 2024. Those cases that remained active (at least) until the end of the year under review are presented in more detail below:
In April, the European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Greece for the incorrect transposition of Directive (EU) 2017/1371 on combating fraud against the EU’s financial interests [INFR(2021)2236], as it considered that: (a) the country has not correctly transposed the provisions of the Directive concerning the definition of ‘passive corruption’ and ‘public official’; and (b) some of the provisions notified by the country provide for rules that limit the effectiveness and the dissuasiveness of the sanctions for criminal offences falling within the remit of the Directive.
In May, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece for failing to amend the rules on car registration and taxation [INFR(2020)4001], as it considered that the provisions of Greek legislation: (a) are incompatible with Article 110 of the Treaty because vehicles imported from another Member State are subject to higher taxation than domestic vehicles; and (b) are contrary to Articles 34 and 36 TFEU because of the prohibition on the registration of certain used vehicles imported into Greece, whereas no similar prohibition is imposed on the corresponding categories of domestic vehicles.
In July, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece for non-compliance with EU rules on the coordination of social security systems and free movement of workers [INFR(2023)2097], as it considered that the conditions set by Greek legislation on family benefits are discriminatory and in breach of EU law.
In October, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece in two cases, due to:
(a) non-compliance with EU legislation on the recognition of professional qualifications and with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union [INFR(2023)4003], as it considered it to be a requirement contrary to EU rules that, according to Greek legislation, professionals who have obtained career counselling qualifications in other Member States must obtain recognition of their academic qualifications before being allowed to work in Greece.
(b) that it was among the countries that did not notify the Commission of measures transposing Directive 2014/112/EU on working time in inland waterway transport [INFR(2023)2138].
In December, the European Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece in four cases, due to:
(a) being among the countries that did not correctly implement the Landfill Directive and the Waste Framework Directive [INFR(2021)2166], as it considered that: a) there are still shortcomings in 84 landfills; and b) the capacity of waste treatment facilities prior to landfilling is insufficient for the treatment of mixed municipal waste.
(b) that it was among the countries that had not transposed the Eurovignette Directive (Directive 1999/62/EC, as amended by Directive (EU) 2022/362) [INFR(2024)0155].
(c) failure to take the necessary measures to implement performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures at Greek airports, as required by Implementing Regulations (EU) 2018/1048 and 2018/1139 [INFR(2024)2014].
(d) of being among the countries that have not designated competent authorities for the implementation of the Data Governance Act or have not demonstrated that those competent authorities are authorised to perform the tasks required under the Act [INFR(2024)2061].
Information on all the above procedures and decisions of the European Commission can also be found on the European Commission’s website by entering the case numbers mentioned in the text in the field “Infringement case number” [INFR(….)….].
The application of EU law is an obligation of the Member States of the European Union.
If possible violations of EU law are identified, the European Commission may take a series of actions against the Member State concerned to ensure that EU law is correctly and fully applied.
In the course of 2024, the European Commission sent reasoned opinions to Greece in 12 cases in the framework of infringement procedures under Article 258 TFEU.
Bank Account number: 1100 0232 0016 560
IBAN: GR56 0140 1100 1100 0232 0016 560
BIC: CRBAGRAA
In a time where the very foundations of democracy are gradually being eroded by the rise of extreme nationalism, alt-right movements, the spread of disinformation and corporate capture, the efforts of organisations such as Vouliwatch are more relevant than ever.
We rely on the generosity of each and every one of you to continue with our efforts for more transparency and accounta
By financially supporting Vouliwatch you support our litigation strategy, our campaigns for transparency and accountability in the political system, the development of new civic tech tools, our research projects and last but not least our impartial and accurate