VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has launched two infringement procedures and issued one reasoned opinion against Malta for failing to comply with EU rules on waste management, renewable energy, and VAT systems.
Brussels announced the actions, signalling renewed pressure on Malta to align with European standards. A reasoned opinion is a formal warning that precedes possible referral to the EU Court of Justice.
In the first case, the Commission said Malta breached the Landfill Directive by allowing untreated waste to be sent to landfills. It cited poor waste sorting, heavy reliance on landfilling, and low recycling rates as persistent problems. Malta has two months to respond before further action is taken.
The second infringement procedure concerns VAT rules for small businesses. Along with Belgium and France, Malta has yet to develop the IT systems required for cross-border information exchange between EU tax authorities. Without these systems, the simplified VAT scheme cannot function properly.
The third case involves a reasoned opinion over Malta’s failure to fully transpose the revised Renewable Energy Directive. The law, effective since November 2023, required member states to simplify permitting for renewable projects by July 2024.
If Malta fails to comply within two months, the Commission may refer the cases to the EU’s top court and seek financial penalties.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
