Commission enforcement of EU law in 2023 brings benefits to people and businesses

Commission enforcement of EU law in 2023

Today, the European Commission adopted its Annual Report on Monitoring the Application of EU Law. The report outlines the enforcement actions taken by the Commission in 2023 to guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses across the EU. It highlights also the areas where Member States successfully achieved compliance with EU law and identifies those where additional efforts are necessary.

The Commission also adopted its regular package of decisions on infringements today.

Ensuring compliance with EU law in 2023

The report shows that in 2023, the Commission acted decisively to ensure that EU rules in all policy fields were applied correctly across the EU, fostering trust among citizens and businesses, and facilitating the growth of a cohesive, fair, and efficient Union.

Over the last year, the Commission opened 529 new infringement procedures and closed over 1 000 cases as Member States have achieved compliance with EU law. 95% of the closed cases were resolved at the early stage of the infringement process. By avoiding lengthy litigation, citizens and businesses can enjoy the benefits of EU law sooner.

However, as the report shows, the Commission does not hesitate to take Member States to the Court of Justice of the European Union where necessary. In 2023, the Commission decided to refer a total of 82 infringement cases to the Court and asked the Court to impose financial penalties against several Member States in 45 of these 82 cases. This is a record in the last decade, demonstrating the Commission's determination to enforce EU law.

Supporting Member States' early compliance with EU law

The early implementation of the EU rules by Member States is crucial for ensuring the rights of the citizens and business across the EU and for upholding the effectiveness and credibility of the EU. The Commission's early support to Member States for correct implementation and application of EU rules is crucial.

In 2023, the Commission provided practical guidance to Member States, businesses, stakeholders, and the public on how to understand and apply specific aspects of EU law. It promoted compliance with EU law in hundreds of transposition workshops, expert group and committee meetings with Member States. Following up on the 2023 stocktaking exercise, the Commission together with Member States defined ways to improve the transposition of directives. Through the Technical Support Instrument, the Commission promoted administrative capacity building in Member States, helping to ensure a correct implementation of EU laws and policies.

Strengthening a sustainable and competitive economy

The Commission remained firm in safeguarding the integrity of the single market in 2023, for example through ensuring the free movement of goods in the agricultural and construction sectors. It also took far-reaching enforcement actions to remove barriers for service providers in the single market, which account for around 70% of the EU's GDP and an equal share of its employment. The Commission's enforcement measures improved the recognition of professional qualifications across the EU and addressed the issue of late payments of procured goods and services.

As this report shows, the Commission committed to provide clean, affordable and secure energy, to achieve its climate goals and boost economic development. In 2023, the Commission's enforcement measures promoted clean air, water and transport, and a circular economy. The Commission helped Member States and farmers under the common agricultural policy. It achieved progress on the EU's energy union and continued work to keep nuclear energy safe. The Commission also used infringement procedures to promote the security of EU gas supply.

Informing and assisting people and businesses is key for making full use of the single market's potential. In 2023, SOLVIT centres assisted over 2 200 people and businesses with their problems, with more than 88% of the open cases solved. Your Europe Advice, which informs people and businesses of their single market rights, was consulted over 26 000 times. And Your Europe was the most popular Commission website, with 32 million visitors in one year.

Upholding the EU's common values, fundamental rights and the rule of law

The Commission acted decisively to uphold the rule of law, defend democratic values and enforce non-discrimination legislation across the EU. It took steps to guarantee Member States' full implementation of EU rules on the protection of children, consumer rights, cross-border protection of patients and safer transport.

The Commission strengthened the implementation of the European Security Union policy and opened or continued infringement cases to improve Member States' compliance with EU migration and asylum rules.

The Commission's enforcement actions in 2023 brought concrete improvements to people's rights. Member States stepped up protection of consumers, guaranteed the rights of whistleblowers and improved the criminalisation of hate speech. Enforcing EU rules also ensured better protection of workers' rights and fairer working conditions.

Background

Since 1984, following a request made by the European Parliament, the Commission presents an annual report on monitoring the application of EU law during the preceding year. The European Parliament then adopts a resolution on the Commission's report.

In the division of responsibilities between the European institutions, the Commission has the general responsibility of initiating the legislative process.

The European Parliament and the Council decide on the Commission's proposals. Member States are responsible for timely and correct application and implementation of EU law in the national legal order.

The Commission closes this circle: once proposals are adopted and become EU law, it monitors whether the Member States are applying this law correctly and may take action if otherwise.

For more information

The annual report on monitoring the application of EU law

Website on the annual report on monitoring the application of EU law

Annual report on monitoring the application of EU law - factsheet