EC Launches Infringement Proceedings Against Bulgaria in 4 Areas

The European Commission presented today to the general public data on four separate infringement proceedings against Bulgaria. Obviously, the work of bringing national legislation into line with European norms continues to pose a challenge for our country, as in one of these proceedings, the Commission is bringing a case before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

It is reported that the Commission is bringing a case against Bulgaria and Portugal because of, as is specified, the incomplete implementation of the European Union rules for the posting of drivers in road transport. From the press release it becomes clear that the EU rules regulate social legislation in this area, and, which is particularly important, the delay in their implementation is directly related to fair remuneration for labor. The deadline set for the introduction of the necessary legislative changes was February 2, 2022. Despite the efforts made, Bulgaria and Portugal remain the only two member states for which a violation has been established. The Commission notes the efforts of the two countries, but categorically defines them as insufficient, which is why it proposes to the Court to impose fines. It is noted that the amended legislation aims to protect fair competition by restricting illegal labor.

In relation to another aspect of the legislation, the Commission is opening infringement proceedings against Bulgaria, Denmark, France and Cyprus due to the incomplete implementation of European requirements for firearms. These rules, as emphasized, define common minimum standards for the acquisition, possession and commercial exchange of civilian firearms, used, for example, for sports shooting and hunting. Obviously, legislative measures are directly aimed against criminal activity and the illegal trade in such weapons. The four countries included in this procedure have a period of two months to respond to the Commission, after which the procedure may continue with the escalation of sanctions.

The Commission is also continuing the initiated infringement proceedings against Bulgaria, Ireland and Spain for, as it is claimed, the incorrect implementation of EU rules for combating sexual abuse of children. According to European legislation, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and the dissemination of materials on sexual abuse of children are defined as crimes for which the EU has established minimum standards for definition and penalties. The three countries included in this procedure have a period of two months to respond and take the necessary measures, otherwise they may be brought before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

In addition to these cases, the EC is starting infringement proceedings against Bulgaria and Croatia to ensure the fulfillment of their reporting obligations under the rules for the internal electricity market. The deadline for this was set by January 1, 2025, with the aim of creating a competitive, consumer-oriented, flexible and non-discriminatory electricity market. All EU countries were obliged to notify the EC of the measures for the supervision of electricity pricing, including an assessment of the progress in achieving effective competition between suppliers and the transition to market prices. Bulgaria and Croatia have not yet submitted reports and the EC gives them a period of two months, after which it may continue with the infringement procedure.