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Germany’s Delays in Implementing EU Laws Undermine Consumer and Expatriate Protections

Brussels, June 2024 — WhizzBang, the European network dedicated to consumer and data protection for expatriates, expresses deep concern over Germany’s persistent delays and failures in transposing EU directives into national law. These shortcomings not only contravene EU legal obligations but also jeopardize the rights and protections of consumers and expatriates residing in Germany.

Recent actions by the European Commission highlight Germany’s non-compliance:

  • Renewable Energy Directive: In March 2024, the Commission issued an additional reasoned opinion to Germany for not fully transposing EU rules on promoting the use of energy from renewable sources, as outlined in Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): In September 2024, Germany was among 17 Member States that received letters of formal notice for failing to notify national measures fully transposing the CSRD, which mandates comprehensive sustainability reporting by companies.
  • Resilience of Critical Entities Directive: The same month, Germany was one of 24 Member States to receive formal notices for not transposing Directive (EU) 2022/2557, aimed at enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure.

These delays have tangible consequences. For instance, in July 2024, the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court ruled that the German government must enhance its air pollution control program to comply with EU standards, following legal action highlighting inadequate implementation of air quality measures. 

Iwona Szczeblewski, Chair of WhizzBang AISBL and EuroConsum WhizzBang Viadrina, stated, “Germany’s repeated delays in implementing EU directives undermine the very fabric of the single market and erode trust among member states. Such gross negligence directly impacts consumers and expatriates who depend on uniform standards and protections across the EU.”

WhizzBang calls on the German government to prioritize the timely and complete transposition of EU directives into national law. Ensuring adherence to EU legislation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the single market and upholding the rights of all EU citizens, particularly those living and working across borders.

Located in Brussels WhizzBang aisbl serves as both a liaison for the European Institutions and as the coordinating body for the members of the network throughout the EU

About WhizzBang: WhizzBang is a European network focused on consumer and data protection, uniquely dedicated to representing the interests of expatriates—individuals living in an EU country different from where they were socialized. With offices in Frankfurt/Oder (WhizzBang Viadrina), Aachen (WhizzBang Meuse-Rhine), and Brussels, WhizzBang actively supports the EU single market and opposes national barriers, striving to ensure that consumers exercising their fundamental freedoms receive the protection and support they need.

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