Infringement Procedure
In Simple Terms
The legal process by which the European Commission enforces EU law compliance by member states, potentially leading to CJEU proceedings and fines.
Formal Legal Definition
A procedure under Articles 258-260 TFEU whereby the Commission may bring action before the Court of Justice against a Member State that has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law.
Practical Example
If Finland fails to implement an EU Directive on time, the Commission can initiate an infringement procedure, first with a formal notice, then a reasoned opinion, and finally a referral to the CJEU.
Why It Matters
Infringement procedures are the primary mechanism for ensuring member states comply with EU law. Repeated non-compliance can result in substantial financial penalties imposed by the CJEU.
Related Terms
How snowLEX helps with Infringement Procedure
snowLEX tracks infringement procedures and their outcomes, helping you understand enforcement patterns and compliance risks for specific areas of EU law.
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