EU Commission rebukes Greece for climate plan delays
The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings by sending formal warning letters to Greece and 12 other EU member states for failing to submit their final updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs).
This requirement is mandated under the Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action.
The updated NECPs are critical tools for ensuring that member states outline specific roadmaps to achieve the EU’s agreed targets on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. They also enable the Commission to assess the collective ambition of member states to meet the EU’s 2030 climate and energy goals.
All member states were required to submit their final updated NECPs by June 30, 2024. To date, the Commission has received 14 plans, while 13 member states, including Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Slovakia, have yet to comply.
The Commission considers this a breach of obligations under the Governance Regulation and has issued warning letters. These countries now have two months to respond. If their responses are unsatisfactory, the Commission may proceed to issue a reasoned opinion, escalating the infringement process.
Kathimerini
