Italy in last place for infractions, 3 procedures opened every month in 2012

In the European Union the number of dossiers continues to decrease but our country is the worst: 99 underway

The number of infringement procedures in Europe continues to decrease but nonetheless still remains high: in 2012 alone the European Commission initiated an average of 3 ½ per day, with member states – as is the case for Italy and Portugal – summoned by Brussels in compliance with the Community regulations of 3 times a month. These are some of the numbers contained in the 30th Annual Report on the current state of EU regulations made by the European Commission, available as of today. At the community level data emerges of a more law-abiding and respectful Europe: from 2009-2012 the number of open offenses against the states has halved, passing from 2,900 to 1, 343. On a national level it is bad news for Italy, European black shirt with 99 procedures ongoing – the highest number – 36 infractions detected in 2012 alone – even in this case it’s a record. Failure to meet the directives, incomplete implementation of regulations, non-fulfillment and delays are among the causes that award our country the not quite coveted title of most undisciplined. Behind us for general pending cases are: Belgium and Spain (respectively 92 and 91 files open); and for procedures started in 2012, Portugal and Hungary (respectively 34 and 26). Numbers that reflect even in complaints raised during 2012: first prize Italy with 438 charges out of 1,343 overall. France is third (242) Spain is ahead (306).

The report also highlights the best countries: to conform to EU regulations within the time and manner required are Latvia in absolute (only 20 open procedures against the government of Riga), Lithuania (24) and Estonia (24). While last year the best countries were Estonia (5 cases initiated), the Netherlands (6) and Sweden (6). The full report with all data will be available today, October 23 at this site: http://ec.europa.eu/eu_law/infringements/infringements_annual_report_en.htm

Renato Giannetti