EC takes action against Latvia over transposition of EU directives

RIGA - The European Commission (EC) has launched six infringement proceedings against Latvia for failing to notify the full transposition of six European Union (EU) directives into national law, the Press Office of the EC Representation in Latvia informed LETA.

The EC decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to Latvia for failure to communicate the full transposition of the new electricity market design rules on free choice of supplier and the right to energy sharing. These provisions are intend to strengthen consumers' positions in the electricity market by expanding their ability to choose and switch suppliers, access more competitive and innovative offers, and participate more actively in the energy system. Member states were supposed to notify the EC of the transposition of these provisions by July 17.

Latvia has also missed the deadline to notify the EC of the full transposition of the recast Hydrogen and Decarbonized Gas Directive. The directive, together with the regulation, updates the rules for the natural gas market and introduces regulations for hydrogen infrastructure to promote the use of renewable and low-carbon gases. The deadline for transposing the directive was August 5. In this case, the EC sent letters to 25 other member states besides Latvia.

Meanwhile, the revised Anti-Trafficking Directive provides for stricter criminalization, strengthens the ability of authorities to investigate new forms of exploitation, including online, and improves assistance to trafficking victims. Member states must also formalize a national mechanism for referring victims to assistance services and designate a contact point for the cross-border referral of victims. Latvia has not notified the EC of the full transposition of the amendments by the July 15 deadline.

Two separate infringement cases concern the repair of goods. The first directive gives consumers the right to request repairs for certain goods, such as smartphones, washing machines, and refrigerators, even after the statutory warranty period has expired. Manufacturers are obliged to offer repairs at a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe. The second, delegated directive, extends these provisions to local room heaters used in households. Latvia has failed to notify the EC of the full transposition of both directives by July 31.

The sixth infringement case concerns the transposition of amendments to the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive. These amendments strengthen pollution reduction requirements, expand the scope of the regulation, and provide for the right to claim compensation for health damage caused by unlawful pollution. Full transposition of the amendments was due by July 1. In this case, the EC has sent letters to all EU member states.

The letters of formal notice sent by the EC constitute the first stage of the infringement procedure. Latvia has two months to respond, complete the transposition of the directives, and notify the EC of the measures taken.

If the EC does not consider the response satisfactory, it may issue a reasoned opinion requiring the infringement to be remedied. If the country still fails to fulfill its obligations, the EC may bring the matter before the Court of Justice of the European Union. In cases where a country has not notified the EC in a timely manner of the measures taken to transpose a directive, the EC may ask the court to impose financial penalties. If a country fails to comply with a judgment of the court, the EC may refer the matter to the court again and request that financial penalties be imposed.