25/04/2013 (Agence Europe) -Energy efficiency in buildings, reasoned opinions to Spain and Slovenia. On 25 April, the Commission sent reasoned opinions to Spain and Slovenia demanding that they notify the measures they have adopted for implementing Directive 2010/31/EC on buildings' energy efficiency, which should have been transposed into national law by 9 July 2012 at the latest. This directive compels member states to draw up and apply minimum energy performance requirements for existing and new buildings and to ensure the certification of building energy performance and regular inspections of heating and air conditioning systems. The Commission also demands that these countries ensure that all new buildings are “zero energy” by 2020. If Spain and Slovenia fail to respect their obligations in the next two months, the Commission could refer them to the European Court of Justice. (EH/transl.fl)