The European Commission is suing Poland. Penalties worth millions may result
The European Commission sent a complaint against Poland to the CJEU. Brussels accuses Warsaw of failing to implement EU aviation regulations.
Poland and Spain have been targeted by the European Commission due to delays in implementing EU regulations on reducing emissions in aviation. Brussels filed a complaint against both countries with the Court of Justice of the EU, demanding the imposition of financial sanctions.
The European Commission is suing Poland and Spain. What is the dispute about?
The dispute concerns changes to EU law adopted in 2023, which are intended to increase the participation of the aviation industry in the implementation of European climate policy. The new regulations provide for, among others: moving away from free CO2 emission allowances granted to air carriers.
One of the key elements of the reform is also the implementation of the principles of the CORSIA system, developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization, into the EU legal order. This mechanism obliges airlines to compensate for the increase in emissions by purchasing certificates confirming the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
In its justification for the proposal, the European Commission recalled that Member States had time to adapt their national regulations until the end of 2023. It was added that the changes are part of the EU climate strategy that assumes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The EC wants penalties for Poland. The case went to the CJEU
Proceedings against Poland and Spain began in January 2024. According to the Commission, the actions taken by both countries did not lead to full implementation of the obligations arising from EU law. As a result, the case was referred to the CJEU with a request to impose financial penalties.
In the case of Spain, Brussels decided to take additional steps. A separate complaint concerns the failure to implement ETS-wide changes. The reform extends the emissions trading mechanism, among others, to maritime transport and strengthens financial instruments supporting the climate transformation.
