EU Environmental laws: Romania referred to the Court of Justice, 10 Member States called to action

Romania has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU for its failure to close or rehabilitate non-compliant landfills above the transitional period, announced the European Commission on 30/01/2026 in its "January infringements package".

Before being referred to the Court of Justice of the EU, Member States that fail to comply with the EU laws are sent letters of formal notice (first step), followed by reasoned opinions (second step) if they fail to address the issue within two months. After a judgment has been issued by the Court of Justice, the Member State is obligated to comply with its decision. If they still fail to comply, the Commission can ask for financial sanctions before the Court.

In January 2026, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Romania and Latvia have been sent letters of formal notice for not complying with EU Environmental laws, while Czechia, Belgium and France have been issued reasoned opinions in the domain of Environmental and Energy laws. Poland has been sent a letter of formal notice post-judgment for their failure to take the necessary measures so that…