Brussels Launches 5 Infringement Proceedings Against Bulgaria

The European Commission has officially announced the launch of five infringement procedures against Bulgaria in key areas of governance. Brussels is demanding swift corrections within two months in order for Bulgaria to avoid court cases and potential financial sanctions.

In the area of the internal market, the Commission is launching a procedure over restrictive mandatory authorisation or certification regimes for services related to energy facilities and construction.

In the area of home affairs, Brussels is sending a letter of formal notice to Sofia over the application of rules on the marketing and use of explosives precursors.

According to the EC, Bulgaria has failed to fulfil a number of obligations, including the establishment of national contact points for reporting suspicious transactions, disappearances and thefts, the designation of a competent authority, rules on sanctions and participation in the annual monitoring programme.

The Commission states that the country has not created the necessary national points for reporting suspicious transactions and has not set clear rules on penalties for violations.

Another procedure is linked to failure to meet the 50% recycling target for materials such as paper, metal, plastic and glass. According to the EC, the requirements currently in place in Bulgaria make access to activities more difficult and limit consumer choice.

The EC sent letters of formal notice to Bulgaria, Belgium, Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia over the incorrect application of European rules on personal data protection.

At the same time, Brussels is requiring Bulgaria, Belgium and Cyprus to complete the implementation of rules on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation.

The countries have a two-month deadline to respond, after which the European Commission will assess whether to continue the procedures.