Newsroom
Cyprus is among 13 European Union countries facing legal action from the European Commission for failing to introduce national penalties required under EU aviation fuel legislation designed to encourage the use of cleaner fuels.
The Commission announced that Cyprus, together with Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia, has not yet adopted or reported rules setting out penalties for violations of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.
As a result, the Commission has issued letters of formal notice to the countries involved, marking the first stage of infringement proceedings. The letters require member states to explain the delay and take steps to meet their obligations under EU law.
The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation forms part of the European Union's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector. The legislation is intended to increase the availability and use of sustainable aviation fuels at airports across the bloc while giving airlines and fuel suppliers a predictable regulatory framework for future investment.
Under the regulation, member states were required to establish penalty systems by December 31, 2024. These penalties apply to aviation fuel suppliers, aircraft operators and airport management bodies that fail to comply with the new requirements. Despite repeated reminders from Brussels, the 13 countries did not notify the Commission of the necessary measures before the deadline.
Cyprus now has two months to reply to the Commission and address the issue. If the response is considered inadequate, the Commission may advance the case by issuing a reasoned opinion, the next step in the EU infringement process.
