The European Union (EU) has taken legal action against three of its member states for failing to implement the EU Renewable Energy Directive into national legislation. The European Commission has referred Croatia, Hungary, and Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and is requesting financial sanctions.
By June 30th, 2021, all EU member states were expected to incorporate the Renewable Energy Directive into their respective national laws. In May 2022, the commission expressed its concern to five member states, including Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, and Romania, for their lack of clear and precise information regarding the implementation of the directive. The commission also issued warnings to Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, and Luxembourg for partially incorporating the directive into their national laws.
Despite being given a two-month deadline to comply, Croatia, Hungary, and Portugal are the only three member states that have failed to notify the commission of their implementation of the directive. As a result, the European Commission has taken legal action against these countries and referred them to the CJEU.
The Renewable Energy Directive, which was adopted in 2018, provides a legal framework for the development of renewable energy in electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation over the next decade. It sets a binding target for the EU to have at least 32% of renewable energy by 2030 and includes measures to make support for renewable energy cost-effective. Additionally, it simplifies administrative procedures for renewable energy projects.
In conclusion, the European Commission is taking legal action against Croatia, Hungary, and Portugal for failing to comply with the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The commission is requesting financial sanctions and referring these countries to the CJEU.
