The Commission calls on Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria to correctly implement the Waste Framework Directive

The next step in the process involves referring the Member State to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), where potential fines may be imposed

Clean Europe Network

According to the Commission, both Greece and Cyprus have failed to establish an integrated and adequate network of waste management installations, considering the best available techniques. Both countries received a letter of formal notice (the first step in an infringement procedure) in 2021 by the Commission for the same reason. However, their responses and subsequent measures to rectify their application of the WFD were deemed unsatisfactory. Both countries now have two months to respond and implement the required corrective measures. If they fail to comply, the Commission may refer their cases to the EU Court of Justice (ECJ).

In Bulgaria’s case, the national government has not implemented the "polluter pays” principle enshrined in the WFD, which requires the original waste producer or subsequent waste holders to bear the costs of waste management, including collection, transport, recovery (e.g., sorting), and disposal. While Bulgaria amended its legislation following a formal notice from the Commission in July 2023, the new law’s implementation has been postponed until 2025. As with Greece and Cyprus, Bulgaria has two months to take corrective action or face a potential referral to the ECJ.

This is another proof that Member States still struggle to correctly implement the WFD, years after its foreseen implementation date. Clean Europe Network calls on the European Commission to urge EU countries to swiftly implement the legislation, a critical law for the prevention of waste and litter.