The European Commission decided today to refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union due to non-compliance with the obligations of collection and treatment of urban waste water as well as non-compliance of national rules with EU legislation regarding the recognition of professional qualifications.

As noted despite the progress that has been achieved, the Greek authorities have not yet fully refuted the objections. The Commission considers that the efforts made so far by the Greek authorities are insufficient and, for this reason, refers Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

As far as Directive 91/271/EEC is concerned, it aims to protect human health and the environment, requiring the collection and treatment of urban waste water before it is discharged into the environment.

The Commission sent Greece a letter of warning in May 2020 and then a reasoned opinion in December 2021.

To comply with the directive’s requirements, Greece will need to build new infrastructure in several settlements and will need to upgrade existing infrastructure in others.

Regarding the referral of Greece due to non-compliance of national rules with EU legislation on the recognition of professional qualifications.

EU rules have helped establish a modern system for the recognition of professional qualifications across the EU. They make it easier for professionals to provide their services in different Member States. The Commission considers that the Greek rules do not comply with Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended by Directive 2013/55/EU, on the recognition of professional qualifications, and with Article 45 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (SLEE).

The Commission sent a letter of warning to Greece in September 2022 and a reasoned opinion on 19 April 2023. However, Greece has not yet ensured compliance of its national rules with EU legislation on the recognition of professional qualifications.

EU rules state that a member state must recognize professional qualifications obtained in another member state and must allow the holder of those qualifications to practice the same profession on its territory. The rules also impose transparency and proportionality obligations on Member States.

Finally, the European Commission decided to initiate an infringement procedure by sending a warning letter to Greece, due to incorrect transposition into its national law of the European directive, which prohibits the introduction of discrimination against workers with fixed-term contracts.

Greek law provides for less favorable employment conditions for teachers with fixed-term contracts working in public schools compared to permanent teachers, for example in terms of maternity leave and sick leave. For this reason, the Commission is sending a warning letter to Greece, which now has two months to respond and remove the deficiencies pointed out by the Commission. The Commission, if it does not receive a satisfactory answer, may decide to send a reasoned opinion.