Brussels, 27/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against six Member States, namely Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Sweden, which have still not transposed the directive of July 2000 on transparency into their national legislation. The directive requires the separation of accounts in companies that carry out business in not only sectors open to competition but also in sectors where they are subject to public service obligations for which they are remunerated by the State. The time allowed for transposing the directive expired end July 2001 and, on 19 October last, the Commission reminded national governments of the need to fulfil their obligations. As Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Sweden did not inform the European Executive of the provisions adopted in order to comply with the provisions of the directive, the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to these countries calling on them to do so within two months, failing which it would be forced to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. The separation of accounts is important as it makes the cost of services more transparent and more easily measurable, creating fairer competition conditions, mainly in the broadcasting sector. The Commission is currently studying several complaints alleging that state-owned TV stations are receiving more public funds than due.