European Commission puts pressure on Luxembourg and other states

(sth) – In light of the VW car emissions scandal, the European Commission is taking action against seven EU member states, Luxembourg among them, for failing to set up penalties systems to deter car manufacturers from violating car emissions legislation, or not applying such sanctions where a breach of law has occurred.

The European Commission decided today to act against Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Spain and the United Kingdom on the grounds that they have disregarded EU vehicle type approval rules.

The Commission is addressing letters of formal notice to the Czech Republic, Greece and Lithuania because they have failed to introduce penalties systems into their national law. The Commission is also opening infringements against Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and the United Kingdom – the Member States that issued type approvals for Volkswagen Group in the EU – for not applying their national provisions on penalties despite the company's use of illegal defeat device software.

Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska said:"Abiding by the law is first and foremost the duty of car manufacturers. But national authorities across the EU must ensure that car manufacturers actually comply with the law. For the future, the Commission has tabled proposals to introduce greater European oversight and to make the type approval system more robust. We expect the European Parliament and Council to reach an agreement swiftly."

A letter of formal notice is a first step in an infringement procedure and constitutes an official request for information. The Member States now have two months to respond to the arguments put forward by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to send a reasoned opinion, meaning a formal request to comply with EU law.

If the EU country still doesn't comply after a reasoned opinion has been issued, the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. Most cases are settled before being referred to the Court.