Slovakia has not simplified permitting processes for renewable energy, and is facing a lawsuit from the EC

The delayed simplification of permitting processes for RES projects in Slovakia may result in a lawsuit at the European Court of Justice. Since Slovakia has not sufficiently explained the delay in simplifying permitting under Directive (EU) 2023/2413, the European Commission has announced the launch of a so-called infringement against Slovakia.

If Slovakia, like other countries, does not submit a clear plan to incorporate the directive into Slovak legislation within two months, the European Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice. The European Commission warned us about the delay as early as September 2024.

The directive adopted in 2023 requires member states to define clear deadlines for permitting processes for specific RES technologies. It also requires member states to prepare so-called acceleration zones, where the permitting and construction process of RES sources will be simplified. Member states were also supposed to incorporate the principle into the legislation that RES and electricity storage projects are in the overriding public interest.

Slovakia, like other EU member states, was supposed to adopt the changes in legislation by July 2024 at the latest. In addition to Slovakia, the EC also launched infringement proceedings against Bulgaria, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, the Netherlands and Sweden regarding the implementation of Directive (EU) 2023/2413.