European Commission initiates infringement proceedings against EU member states over waste targets
The European Commission is initiating infringement proceedings against all EU member states as none have met the union’s waste collection and recycling targets. Of the 27 member states, 25 failed to separately collect sufficient amounts of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Additionally, 18 member states did not achieve the 2020 target that required at least half of municipal waste to be prepared for reuse or recycled. Finland, in particular, did not reach either goal.
The start of infringement proceedings is a standard procedure. Initially, the Commission will send a formal notification to the member state, which is then expected to respond and address the shortcomings identified. If the response does not satisfy the Commission, it will issue a reasoned opinion to the member state. Ultimately, the Commission can take legal action against the member state in the Court of Justice of the European Union.