Brussels, May 28, 2026 (Lusa) - The European Commission launched on Thursday infringement proceedings against Portugal for failing to transpose a directive aimed at improving the transparency of environmental labels and the strengthening of consumer rights in the green transition.

In the May infringement package, published on Thursday, the EC said that it has sent a letter of formal notice, the first step in an infringement procedure, to 20 member states, including Portugal, for failing to complete the transposition of a directive relating to the green transition.

The directive in question improves the reliability and transparency of environmental claims and sustainability labels, the EC said.

“It encourages companies to adopt more sustainable practices, combats premature obsolescence and greenwashing, ensuring that consumers have access to more detailed information on the durability and repairability of products, and on their legal rights in terms of guarantees," it added.

It pointed out that the 20 member states had until 27 March to transpose this directive, but had failed to do so completely.

The member states notified on Thursday now have two months to complete the transposition of the directive; otherwise, the EC may decide to issue a reasoned opinion, the second stage of the infringement procedure, before referring the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

In addition to Portugal, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden are also subject to this infringement procedure.

TA/MYAL // ADB.

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