The European Commission has decided to issue a reasoned opinion to Romania [INFR (2021) 0128] for the incomplete transposition of Directive REC+ [Directive (EU) 2019/1] into national legislation.

The REC+ Directive provides national competition authorities with the necessary means to enhance their effectiveness in ensuring compliance with EU antitrust rules, offering them guarantees of independence, as well as the resources and adequate tools for the enforcement of fines and compliance with the rules, including decision-making powers, effective leniency programs, and mechanisms for mutual assistance.

Member states were obligated to adopt and publish the necessary measures to ensure the full transposition of the REC+ Directive into national legislation by February 4, 2021.

To date, Romania has only communicated partial transpositions. Consequently, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Romania, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures.

Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer Romania to the Court of Justice of the European Union. A press release is available online.

Context

Through its monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission ("the Commission") aims to take legal action against member states that have not fulfilled their obligations under EU law.

These decisions, which cover various sectors and policy areas of the EU, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.

For more details on all decisions taken, please consult .registrul deciziilor în constatarea neîndeplinirii obligațiilor.