On 18 June 2015, the European Commission (EC) referred Greece to the EU Court of Justice for failing to transpose the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). In February 2015, the Commission had sent a reasoned opinion to Greece, requesting the country to notify the EC of all transposition measures for the Directive. Until the 18 of June 2015, no legislation transposing the EED into national law has been adopted and/or notified to the EC.

In addition, the EC requested Germany to ensure the full transposition of the EED. Germany has now two months to comply with this obligation; in case of no compliance, the Commission may decide to refer it to the EU Court of Justice and ask for financial penalties.

Background

Under the Energy Efficiency Directive, EU Member States must meet certain energy savings targets from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. They must do this by using Energy Efficiency Obligations Schemes or other targeted policy measures to drive energy efficiency improvements in households, buildings, industry and transport. Member States were required to transpose the obligations of the Directive by 5 June 2014.

Full implementation and enforcement of existing energy legislation is a priority under the newly adopted Energy Union Package. The EC is also examining the situation in other Member States which have already been sent a reasoned opinion for failure to adopt transposition measures.

For further information, please visit the relevant European Commission website.