The European Commission has raised an ultimatum concerning Spain, challenging national provisions that govern technical and business requirements. The concern centers on the obstacles faced by citizens attempting to pay taxes through direct debits from accounts held with entities located outside the country, and the broader impact on euro transfers across borders.
Brussels notes that the Spanish regulations hinder foreign citizens and companies from meeting tax obligations and clash with European rules designed to ensure seamless cross border payments and fair access for traders within the European single market.
Under current Spanish tax law, banks are described as partners in a manner that, according to the European Commission, makes it highly difficult in practice for a foreign supplier to obtain the necessary permits to operate. This interpretation underscores a mismtach between national procedures and EU market access principles.
An ultimatum issued in the form of a reasoned opinion represents the second stage of European infringement procedures. Spain now has two months to respond to Brussels. If the authorities fail to address the concerns, the matter could be escalated to the European Court of Justice for a binding ruling.
Another ultimatum related to energy efficiency
In addition, the European Commission issued a separate ultimatum to Spain, Croatia, and Luxembourg regarding amendments to the directive governing the energy performance of buildings. The Commission contends that the national measures do not fully transpose the updated regulation into domestic law.
Brussels issued a reasoned opinion to the three member states and gave them two months to answer a series of questions, warning that inadequate responses could lead to a referral to the European Court of Justice. The aim is to ensure that new standards are properly aligned with national legislation before they take effect.
National transposition should reflect the revised directives by a designated deadline, with March 10, 2020, cited as a pivotal reference point in the early rounds of coordination between the EU and member states. In May 2020, the Commission sent invitation letters reminding the countries that the directive had not been fully transposed, and further reviews followed to evaluate the implemented national measures.
After examining the national measures, the Commission concluded that none of the three countries had completed the transposition process. The directive introduces important enhancements intended to fortify the energy performance framework for buildings, including updated minimum requirements for electromobility and charging infrastructure, as well as clearer rules for the design of new constructions and the supervision of heating and cooling systems.
According to Brussels, the pursuit of these standards signals a strong political commitment within the European Union to modernize the building sector. The overarching goal is to accelerate renovations and improve energy performance across the EU building stock, all while accommodating technological advances and ensuring that national policies support a more energy efficient built environment.