Brussels, March 27, 2026 (Lusa) - The European Commission started infringement proceedings on Friday against several member states, including Portugal, for failing to transpose three directives essential to the economy, banking and justice.

Portugal has two months to respond and finalise the adoption of these directives. Otherwise, the process moves to the next stage, where the commission sends a reasoned opinion (a formal request to comply with European Union law).

Regarding financial transparency, Portugal is one of 19 European Union (EU) countries that missed the deadline to transpose the Omnibus Directive relating to the European Single Access Point (ESAP). This centralised platform provides comparable digital public information on companies.

The commission says the mechanism is essential to give visibility to Portugal's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to international investors.

Additionally, Portugal is one of 22 member states that failed to notify Brussels of the full transposition of banking stability rules into domestic law, specifically the Sixth Capital Requirements Directive.

It harmonises rules for third-country banks (banks from outside the EU) operating in the bloc. It strengthens supervisory powers and requires better management of environmental, social and governance risks in banking.

The third case concerns failures in the Electronic Evidence Directive. This rule allows Portugal's judicial authorities to obtain electronic evidence directly from service providers (such as technology companies), even if they are based outside the EU.

These rules require all technology companies to designate a legal representative in the EU to respond quickly to judicial warrants.

Portugal has 60 days to complete the legislative transposition and officially notify the European Commission of the measures taken.

IG/LYT // AYLS

Lusa