The European Commission announced Thursday in Brussels that it is launching four infringement procedures against Austria and several other EU countries for failing to implement directives on electricity markets, building energy efficiency, road transport social regulations, and food ingredient standards. The countries have two months to fully implement the rules. Otherwise, the Commission may escalate the issue with a formal warning.

The next step in the infringement process would be a reasoned opinion. The Commission urged the countries involved to take immediate action to align their national laws with EU standards.

EU member states were required to implement the new electricity market rules by January 17, 2025, except for provisions related to supplier choice and energy sharing, which are due by July 17, 2026. These reforms aim to stabilize electricity prices and reduce reliance on fossil fuel markets.

Austria, along with eight other countries, also failed to meet the deadline of January 1, 2025, for phasing out subsidies for fossil fuel-based heating systems. These changes are part of the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which came into force on May 28, 2024. Full implementation is expected by May 29, 2026.

In addition, Austria and 15 other countries have not fully implemented EU social regulations for road transport services. These rules establish common standards for transport companies operating within the EU.

Austria is also one of five countries that failed to implement EU rules on the food processing solvent 2-Methyloxolane by the February 16, 2025 deadline. The directive allows the substance to be added to the EU’s approved list of extraction solvents used in food and food ingredients.