Press Release: Taxation of energy products and electricity – New infringement proceedings against France

The European Commission has decided to initiate further infringement proceedings against France for failure to implement a Court ruling relating to non-transposition by France of the Directive on energy taxation (2003/96/EC). Initiation of these new proceedings takes the form of a letter of formal notice under Article 228 of the EC Treaty. After sending a further reasoned opinion, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice for a second time and propose that the Court impose a penalty payment under Article 228 of the EC Treaty.