Brussels, 26/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 24 November, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Greece calling on it to comply with a 2009 ruling of the EU Court of Justice on seafarers. If Greece does not comply, the Commission may refer it to the Court and call on the Court to impose financial penalties. On 10 December 2009, the Court decided that the current Greek regulations banning access for non-Greek EU citizens to the posts of captain and chief mate on ships flying the Greek flag were incompatible with EU rules on free movement of workers.
The Greek authorities are now reviewing their rules but have not yet adopted the necessary changes. That is why the Commission has decided to continue infringement proceedings and why it states it is unable to close these proceedings until the required provisions have been adopted. Greece has two months in which to submit its observations. (G.B./transl.jl)