EU Infringement Procedure Against Austria Initiated

The reason for the infringement proceedings is the failure to fulfill obligations to introduce the electronic customs system for temporary storage in air transport as well as the national import system. Additionally, Austria has submitted incomplete customs data to Brussels.

EU Infringement Proceedings: EU Countries Use Outdated Datasets

The member states were supposed to establish and make operational the electronic customs systems in accordance with the Union Customs Code by December 31, 2023. The electronic system for temporary storage allows for the electronic submission of the corresponding declarations and is one of the most important steps for monitoring goods imported into the EU. By linking with other national applications, the national import system plays a central role in ensuring the effective collection of revenue and the protection of the EU's financial interests.

Furthermore, according to the Union Customs Code, member states had to transmit certain customs data to Brussels via SURV3, a digital system operated by the EU, by January 1, 2024. The IT system SURV3 is intended to facilitate the collection and monitoring of customs data across the Union as well as the uniform application of customs controls and compliance with EU border measures. However, according to the Commission, the member states concerned continue to use outdated formats and reduced datasets. This non-compliance impairs the effectiveness and reliability of EU customs operations. The Commission is sending letters of formal notice to the affected EU states in both cases, which now have two months to respond and address the identified deficiencies. If no satisfactory response is received, the Commission may decide to issue reasoned opinions in the next step of the infringement proceedings.

EU Lawsuit Against Austria Over Danube Commission

The EU Commission is suing Austria, Germany, and Hungary before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over jurisdictional disputes in the course of the Danube Commission. The three countries failed to meet their obligations under the EU treaties when they voted in the Danube Commission in 2021 for a decision on the recognition of ship crew documents that fall under EU regulations, the Brussels authority announced on Wednesday. The EU Commission criticizes that the recommendation of the Danube Commission was adopted before an EU Council decision and against a request from the EU Commission. It sees this as a violation of the EU's exclusive external competence and the principle of loyal cooperation. Austria, Germany, and Hungary disputed the allegations of the EU Commission.

EU Directive on Cybersecurity Not Implemented

In a pending case, the EU Commission today took the next step and sent reasoned opinions to 19 member states, including Austria. The member states had to transpose the NIS2 Directive into national law by October 17, 2024. It is intended to ensure a high level of cybersecurity across the EU and applies to entities operating in critical sectors, such as public electronic communications services, wastewater and waste management, or health. According to the Commission, its full implementation is key to further improving the resilience and responsiveness of public and private entities. The 19 countries now have two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the cases to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

(APA/Red)

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