EU unveils latest infringement package
The European Commission has opened several infringement proceedings against Ireland as part of its latest package of decisions announced today (30 January).
It has sent formal letters of notice – the first step in the infringement procedure – to Ireland for failure to transpose EU law across a range of areas.
Ireland is one of 21 EU member states that have been sent letters of notice for failing to communicate the complete transposition of a directive on financial-services contracts concluded at a distance.
Financial services at a distance
The directive establishes rules enhancing the level of consumer protection for financial services sold over the phone or online, notably by introducing a ‘withdrawal button' that allows consumers to withdraw from a contract with a single click.
Ireland is also one of 23 members facing proceedings for failing to communicate complete transposition of a directive on credit agreements for consumers, which is aimed at strengthening consumer protection in the credit market.
The commission has also sent letters to 16 states – including Ireland – calling them to formally withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty without delay. The EU withdrew from the treaty last year, saying it was no longer compatible with the EU's climate goals.
‘Breakfast directive’
Ireland is one of 20 countries warned for failing to fully transpose into national law a directive on intelligent transport systems (ITS), while it is one of 15 countries facing proceedings for failing to fully transpose a directive that introduces amended rules on economic statistics and forecasts, and medium-term budgeting.
The commission has also opened proceedings against 11 countries – including Ireland – for failing to fully transpose the amended so-called ‘breakfast directive’ that sets out common rules on the composition, sales names, labelling, and presentation of such products as honey, fruit juices, and jams.
In all cases, member states have two months to respond to letters of formal notice.