The European Commission regularly issues infringement decisions to ensure that EU Member States comply with their obligations under EU law, protecting the interests of citizens and businesses across the Union. These decisions cover various sectors, including energy, and aim to promote the proper application of EU regulations and directives.
In October 2025, the Commission issued one energy-related letter of formal notice, one reasoned opinion and an additional reasoned opinion, and three referrals to the Court of Justice of the European Union. Bulgaria and Croatia received letters of formal notice for failing to submit their reports under Article 5 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 on the internal electricity market. These reports, due by January 2025, are meant to assess public interventions in electricity pricing and the progress toward effective competition. The two countries now have two months to respond, or the Commission may escalate the matter to a reasoned opinion.
Malta and Slovakia received a reasoned opinion and an additional reasoned opinion, respectively, for failing to fully transpose provisions of the revised Renewable Energy Directive related to simplifying and accelerating permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. These measures, required by July 2024, include clear time limits for permits, a strengthened role for single contact points, and recognition of renewable energy projects as being of overriding public interest. Both countries have two months to respond before the Commission may refer the cases to the Court of Justice with a request for financial sanctions.
The Commission referred Sweden to the Court of Justice for not transposing the same provisions of the revised Renewable Energy Directive. Sweden had previously received a letter of formal notice and a reasoned opinion but has not yet submitted any transposition measures.
Poland was referred to the Court of Justice twice for non-compliance with climate-related obligations. The first referral concerns the country’s failure to submit its final updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) by June 2024, despite receiving recommendations on aligning with EU 2030 targets. The second referral addresses Poland’s failure to submit its national long-term climate strategy required under the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action Regulation. Poland remains the only Member State yet to provide this strategy, which outlines a national plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
These infringement decisions highlight the Commission’s ongoing efforts to enforce EU energy and climate law, ensure fair competition in electricity markets, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, and hold Member States accountable for their climate commitments.
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