Audiovisual Media Services: EU Judgment in Case C-679/22 Commission v Ireland

Thursday 29th February

Judgment in Case C-679/22 Commission v Ireland (Audiovisual media services)

(Freedom to provide services – Freedom of movement for workers)

The European Commission asks the Court to declare that Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations by failing to adopt the laws, regulations and administrative rules necessary to comply with Directive (EU) 2018/1808, amending the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Directive 2010/13/EU).

On November 20, 2020, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Ireland.

The Irish authorities replied, explaining that giving effect to that directive in Ireland would entail a substantial revision of the national broadcasting and media regulatory framework. They indicated their hope that the transposition measures would be adopted during 2021, in particular after the expiry, on March 11, 2021, of the standstill period following the notification to the Commission of the general outline of the draft law transposing Directive 2018/1808.

On September 23, 2021, having not received any indications from the Irish authorities of a timetable or date for the required transposition, the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Ireland.

The Irish authorities replied, reiterating the hope to publish the draft legislation before the end of 2021 so as to launch the process of its adoption by the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament).

On May 19, 2022, noting that the measures for the full transposition of Directive 2018/1808 had still not been adopted by Ireland, the Commission decided to bring the present action before the Court.

On November 4, 2022, the Commission lodged the present action at the Court.

Background Documents C-679/22