The European Commission today stepped up infringement proceedings against Malta and Greece for failing to fully transpose the Asylum Procedures Directive, which sets out common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection, and the Reception Conditions Directive, which deals with access to reception conditions for asylum seekers while they wait for their applications to be examined.

Greece and Malta, it said, have not communicated the necessary transposition measures.

Letters of Formal Notice were sent on September 23 to Greece, Malta and 16 other states concerning the Asylum Procedures Directive and to Greece, Malta and 17 other states on the concerning the Reception Conditions Directive.

Greece and Malta have not yet notified the Commission of their transposition measures so the Commission today sent reasoned opinions.

These are sent two months after a letter of formal notice not answered or acted upon within two months.

Malta and Greece now have two months to respond to the Commission, notifying the measures taken to ensure full transposition or bring national legislation in line with EU law.

If they fail to do so, the Commission may decide to refer the states to the EU Court of Justice, which could impose financial sanctions.

BILLS TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW

In a brief statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the Bills for the legislation sought by the European Commission have been approved by the Cabinet and will be published tomorrow.