European Commission starts legal action against UK for breaching obligations by failing to nominate commissioner
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In a statement the European Commission said it had issued “a formal letter of notice” to the British government “for breaching its EU treaty obligations”.
The Independent reports that Johnson has refused to nominate a candidate for the new commission, stating that it is convention that such officials cannot be named by the government during an election period.
Full statement:
As the Guardian of the Treaties, the European Commission has today sent a letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breaching its EU Treaty obligations by not suggesting a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner. The UK authorities have until Friday 22 November at the latest to provide their views. This short time period is justified by the fact that the next Commission must enter into office as soon as possible.
Following the UK’s reply on 13 November to the two letters sent by President-elect Ursula von der Leyen recalling the UK’s obligations under the EU Treaty – and the European Council decision of 29 October 2019 extending the Article 50 period (1) –, the Commission has now analysed this reply and considers that the UK is in breach of its EU Treaty obligations.
In its letter, the UK authorities consider that they are not in a position to suggest a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner in view of the upcoming general election. The European Commission recalls that, in accordance with established EU case-law (2), a Member State may not invoke provisions prevailing in its domestic legal system to justify failure to observe obligations arising under Union law.
Next Steps: In accordance with Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the United Kingdom is invited to submit its observations on the letter of formal notice at the latest by Friday 22 November 2019. After examining these observations, or if no observations are submitted within this time-limit, the Commission may, if appropriate, issue a Reasoned Opinion.
