site.btaEuropean Commission Calls on Bulgaria to Fully Transpose Directive of Ferry Safety

The European Commission (EC) decided to open infringement procedures by sending a letter of formal notice to four Member States (Bulgaria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland) for failing to fully transpose Directive 2023/946 on ferry safety, the EC reported on Friday.

The new rules apply to newly built ships and to those certified to operate in the EU for the first time. Full implementation of the Directive is essential to enhance ferry safety by safeguarding passengers from flooding in the event of a collision and ensuring EU regulations align with international standards set by the International Maritime Organisation.

The deadline for Member States to transpose the Directive into their national law was December 5, 2024. Bulgaria and the other three Member States concerned now have two months to respond, complete their transposition and notify their measures to the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion.