The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Greece and 12 other EU member states for failing to submit their updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) by the June 30th deadline.
These plans are crucial for outlining how each country will contribute to the EU's climate and energy targets for 2030.
The Commission considers this delay a breach of obligations under the Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action. Formal warning letters have been issued to the following countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
These countries now have two months to respond to the Commission's concerns. If their responses are deemed unsatisfactory, the Commission may escalate the process by issuing a reasoned opinion, potentially leading to further legal action.
The NECPs are essential tools for tracking progress towards the EU's goals on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy adoption, and energy efficiency improvements. They allow the Commission to assess the collective ambition of member states and ensure that everyone is on track to meet the 2030 targets.
While 14 member states have submitted their updated NECPs, the delay by these 13 countries hinders the EU's overall climate action planning and jeopardizes the achievement of its ambitious climate goals.