MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Greece is imposing increased waste management fees, infringing European recycling targets (Directive 2008/98/ΕC) and delaying crucial obligations – P-000020/2025(ASW)

1. The Commission is aware of the challenges Greece is facing in implementing the waste management legislation[1] and is taking appropriate action. The Commission assists Greece in its efforts to reduce the percentage of waste being landfilled, by providing EU funding for instance via the EU programme for the environment and climate action on Circular Economy (LIFE-IP CEI-Greece)[2], i.e. a country-wide project aiming to reduce the amount of municipal waste sent to landfills and to promote waste prevention and re-use. Where appropriate, the Commission may also take enforcement actions. For instance, the Commission has initiated an infringement procedure (case 2021/2166) concerning the non-compliance with EU law of 84 Greek landfills. In addition, the capacity of installations for treatment of waste before landfilling is insufficient for treating mixed municipal waste . A reasoned opinion was sent on 16 December 2024[3].

2. It is up to each Member State to set the level of fees that it considers adequate as this is not regulated by Article 10 of the Landfill Directive[4].

3. The Commission will continue to assist Greece in reaching the 2030 targets and, in its role as guardian of the Treaties, may decide to take appropriate measures, when necessary. The Commission can only request financial sanctions under Article 260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union[5].

• [1] Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3-30, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109-140.
• [2] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE18-IPE-GR-000013/circular-economy-implementation-in-greece
• [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_24_6006
• [4] Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste OJ L 182, 16.7.1999, p. 1-19.
• [5] For the infringement procedure: https://commission.europa.eu/law/application-eu-law/implementing-eu-law/infringement-procedure_en#financial-penalties