EU launches infringement procedures against Greece over energy, money laundering rules

The European Commission on Friday launched infringement procedures against Greece for failing to notify the EU executive of its implementation of several EU directives covering energy, money laundering and human trafficking, Greek daily Ekathimerini reported.

The Commission said Greece was among 18 EU member states that had failed to communicate the full transposition of new electricity market rules into their national legislation.

The rules concern consumers’ rights to choose and switch electricity suppliers, access competitive and innovative offers, and participate more actively in the energy system, according to the Commission.

Greece and 25 other EU member states were also cited for failing to incorporate new rules on the hydrogen and decarbonized gas markets into national legislation.

The rules are intended to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, while ensuring security of supply and affordable of energy, the Commission said.

The Commission also opened infringement procedures against Greece and other EU countries for failing to incorporate new rules on money laundering and human trafficking into national legislation.

The member states have two months to respond and complete the required measures, after which the Commission may proceed to the next stage by issuing a reasoned opinion.