The EC issued Reasoned Opinions to several member states for failing to notify measures to fully transpose a directive that extends the scope of EU rules on long-term residents so as to include refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
Reasoned Opinions are the second formal step of an infringement procedure.
The states have two months to respond to the commission, notifying the measures taken to ensure full transposition or bring national legislation in line with EU law.
If the member states do not meet the requirements, the Commission may decide to refer them to the European Court of Justice or impose financial sanctions.
A total of seven states were issued Reasoned Opinions - Germany, Estonia, Slovenia, Greece, France, Italy and Latvia.
