Commission refers Spain to the Court for failure to implement payment accounts rules

Background and further information:

The European Commission formally requested Spain to fully implement the Directive by sending a letter of formal notice in November 2016. After receiving a reply from the Spanish authorities which was deemed insufficient, the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion - the second stage of the infringement procedure - in April 2017.

The EU Payment Accounts Directive gives all legal EU residents the right to a basic payment account for a reasonable fee, regardless the place of residence. It also improves the transparency of payment account fees and makes it easier to compare and switch. Member States' laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive had to enter into force by 18 September 2016 and the Commission had to be informed immediately.

The European Commission decided on 4 October 2017 to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for failure to notify measures for fully implementing the EU Payment Accounts Directive (Directive 2014/92/EU).