GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE INFRINGEMENT PROCEDURE

Each Member State is responsible for the implementation of EU law (adoption of implementing measures before a specified deadline, conformity and correct application) within itsown legal system. The infringement procedure is one of the enforcement mechanisms that can be applied by the Commission against a Member State whenever the Commission is of the opinion that the Member State is in breach of its obligations under EU law. Is a procedure with which the European Commission fulfils one of its most fundamental duties, that is supervision of the implementation of the acquis. The infringement procedure can be initiated ex officio, following a proposal from a Member State or from a person reporting the infringement, be it a legal or a natural person.