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Now it's comply, give better reasons....or face the European Court of Justice
The scheduled European Commission meeting took place as planned today (Wednesday) and now the enforcement body has requested France and Sweden to amend their laws “following consideration of their replies to letters of formal notice sent in April and October 2006”.
In its "reasoned opinions" to Sweden and France (who were earlier asked to justify their gambling monopolies) the Commission says it is not satisfied with the explanations and if the Swedes and French cannot comply with its demands or provide a more satisfactory justification within the next 60 days the matter could be referred to the European Court of Justice.
The Commission’s statement says the restrictions placed on sportsbetting operators are not compatible with Article 49 of the EC Treaty, guaranteeing the free movement of services and “....have not been shown to be necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatory”.
The position regarding Greece seems to remain open, with the Commission still to decide whether that country’s legislation is compatible with article 49 of the EC Treaty. |
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