Directive

The European Commission decided on Wednesday to refer Greece to the EU's Court of Justice for not applying correctly the rules under the Late Payment Directive.

The Late Payment Directive obliges public authorities to pay their invoices within 30 days (or 60 days for public health authorities). 

Twenty years ago, during my mandate as European commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, the European Council adopted a directive to eliminate discrimination based on nationality, religion, sexual orientation and disability in employment and the economy.

The European Commission has initiated four infringement procedures against Bulgaria, marking a formal notice sent to the country. Bulgaria now faces a two-month window to respond to the notice, or the Commission may proceed to issue a reasoned opinion.

Greece was referred to the European Union's Court of Justice by the Commission on Thursday for its failure to implement the guidelines concerning maritime spatial planning. 

Violation of EU sanctions will be criminalized in the Union.

The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament have concluded negotiations on European legislation that would introduce criminal acts and penalties for violating sanctions. The directive ensures that those who breach or circumvent the restrictive measures will be prosecuted.

In a significant move, the European Commission (EC) has announced actions against Bulgaria for failure to comply with several crucial EU directives. The EC referred Bulgaria to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not enacting measures in line with the Victims' Rights' Directive.

Bulgaria, part of the EU for nearly two decades, showcases a unique work-rest balance. Despite working more than the EU average, Bulgarians enjoy an average of 36 days off when national holidays are factored in, akin to Austria and Finland.

The government is ready to post the draft bill on "transparency in employment terms" and open it for public consultation, but will strip it of provisions touching upon the digital employment card, the employment of retirees and the retirement of those who owe money to the social security agency EFKA.

The European Union has its own issues. It is still however a popular resort for those seeking some form of respite in the wake of the deadly train collision at Tempe. After all, who else would have spent 800 million euros on the Greek railways? We can safely assume no one. 

Ljubljana – The Home Policy Committee has endorsed a bill on electronic communications after an almost identical bill had been voted down over concerns about the independence of Slovenia’s electronic communications agency and provisions seen as being directed against Huawei. Some opposition parties maintain the new bill ebcroaches on the agency’s autonomy.