BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The EU Commission has initiated proceedings against Germany and many other EU states for failing to implement European rules to protect consumers on time. Specifically, the case concerns the so-called possibility of representative actions, in which certain institutions such as consumer associations can sue companies for injunctive relief and damages on behalf of injured parties. With such representative actions, consumers can better enforce their rights in cases such as the VW emissions scandal.

The relevant rules came into force across the EU in December 2020, after which member states had two years to transpose them into national law and inform the EU Commission. "It is true that most member states are currently working on the adoption of corresponding legislation," the EU Commission announced on Friday. However, numerous countries had failed to take the necessary steps by the Dec. 25 deadline.

Therefore, the EU Commission initiated a so-called infringement procedure against Germany and more than 20 other countries. They now have two months to clear up the EU Commission's concerns. Otherwise, the authority can initiate the next step of the procedure. The end result could be a complaint to the European Court of Justice./wim/DP/ngu