Thread by @alemannoEU

🤔Why did the EU Commission decide to open an infringement proceeding against the UK for failing to nominate a Commissioner?
Far from being a belligerent or retaliatory act, this is legitimate use of prerogatives to speed up vote on @vonderleyen Commission 1/5 THREAD

https://twitter.com/alemannoeu/status/1195028230916517889

First, this is NOT (yet) a legal action, but the first step of a iterative process between the EU Commission and UK, with the former being expected to respond by Nov 22 2/5 #brexit

Second, before bringing the UK to Court, the Commission has to prepare a reasoned opinion against the UK defining the alleged breach before the Court. Only in case of non satisfactory or non response, the Commission may start legal action 3/5 #brexit

Third, the EU Commission relies on established EU case law, under which a member state may not invoke provisions prevailing in its domestic legal system to justify failure to observe obligations arising under Union law #purdah #brexit 4/5

Fourth, the new @vonderleyen Commission can’t be voted by EU Parliament unless its team is complete. That’s why Commission is using its prerogatives to nudge UK’s compliance with its obligations. I expect outgoing UK Commissioner @JKingEU being confirmed 5/5